Is this a virus?

[Peter]

A friend keeps getting this pop message on his computer. Does anyone know
whether this is genuine? I seem to remember there was a virus that gave this
message. I am loathe to visit the site suggested.
Any help appreciated.

Peter

"Messenger Service
Message from SYSTEM to ALERT on 31/05/2005 16:57:30
SECURITY ALERT:
Windows has detected registry errors on your computer!
Registry errors can cause potential data loss.
Microsoft recommends an immediate system scan.
Visit: www.windowsreg.com for FREE registry scan."

 

[Ozzy Kopec]

A friend keeps getting this pop message on his computer. Does anyone know
whether this is genuine? I seem to remember there was a virus that gave this
message. I am loathe to visit the site suggested.
Any help appreciated.

Peter

"Messenger Service
Message from SYSTEM to ALERT on 31/05/2005 16:57:30
SECURITY ALERT:
Windows has detected registry errors on your computer!
Registry errors can cause potential data loss.
Microsoft recommends an immediate system scan.
Visit: www.windowsreg.com for FREE registry scan."

=========
I had something like that pop up on an unpatched W2K system, ignored
it, patched the system and never had it happen again.

I say SPAM, nothing more, nothing less.

 

[Dave Moulton]

A friend keeps getting this pop message on his computer. Does anyone know
whether this is genuine? I seem to remember there was a virus that gave this
message. I am loathe to visit the site suggested.
Any help appreciated.

Peter

"Messenger Service
Message from SYSTEM to ALERT on 31/05/2005 16:57:30
SECURITY ALERT:
Windows has detected registry errors on your computer!
Registry errors can cause potential data loss.
Microsoft recommends an immediate system scan.
Visit: www.windowsreg.com for FREE registry scan."

Not quite. Someone is using the Window Messenger Service (not the MS IM
software) to send that message. Go to Control Panel / Administrative Tools
/ Services / Messenger. Click Stop. Select Disabled for Startup type.
Then Ok. It's not from MS, not a virus, not really "spyware" just someone
inviting you to their site (which may host malware) in a most annoying
fashion.