Messenger Popups

  • Thread starter Thread starter Steve S
  • Start date Start date
S

Steve S

About 3 weeks ago I began getting popups in a Messenger
Service window indicating that I needed to go to a
website to buy the software to stop the popups. My event
viewer log is showing this as an "application popup". Is
there a way to eleminate this? They are coming every 15-
30 mins.
 
Steve;
These ads are using Messenger Service.
Messenger Service is a valuable tool many use.
Like many tools, it can be exploited.

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
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/communicate/stopspam.asp
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:
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp
http://www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/npf/

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
 
Wow! Thanx for the expeditious reply. I have Norton
Internet Security firewall and that does not seem to
defend. Can I close the ports manually? Can I exchange
with you at your e-mail addy?
 
Greetings --

Use the firewall to block UDP ports 135, 137, and 138; TCP ports
135, 139, and 445. You may also disable Inbound NetBIOS (NetBIOS over
TCP/IP). You'll have to follow the instructions from firewall's
manufacturer for the specific steps.


Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH
 
Visit grc.com and test the firewall (which ports are open). Configure the
security settings to high in the Firewall.

--
Regards,
Ramesh

(e-mail address removed)
http://www.angelfire.com/dragon/sramesh2k/


Wow! Thanx for the expeditious reply. I have Norton
Internet Security firewall and that does not seem to
defend. Can I close the ports manually? Can I exchange
with you at your e-mail addy?
 
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