Messenger PopUps

[NR]

I am being bombarded with popups--three to four every ten
minutes--that say they are coming through Windows
Messenger. This happens even if I am not signed on to
WM.

They are similar in appearance--a single gray box in the
center of my screen--and they try to direct me to one of
several different websites that they say will stop the
popups forever. The sites have names like
KillMessenger.com, BlockMessenger.com and
MessengerBuster.com.

I have not gone to any of the sites. My privacy software
stops other popups but doesn't seem to affect these. What
do you suggest I can do to stop these intrusions?

Thank you.

NR

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

NR;
No need to pay for the fix.
For Messenger Service ads:
You need to install or enable a firewall:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=330904
Disabling Messenger Service can be a good idea, but it does not solve
the real problem.
The ads are not the real problem, the ads are only a symptom.
The real problem is open ports that allow unwanted traffic into the
computer.
Disabling Messenger does nothing for the open ports.
The firewall controls the traffic.

Internet Connection Firewall will not work if you have AOL.
AOL is not compatible with Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall
(ICF)
If you have AOL, you should contact AOL and/or get a 3rd party
firewall.

Disable Messenger Service:
Start/Control Panel, click Administrative Tools, click Services.
Go down to "Messenger".
Right click "Messenger" and select Properties.
Then under Start-up select DISABLE
Click OK and follow prompts