"messenger service"

[Guest]

Hi,

Since upgrading from ME to XP we are constantly
bombarded with these "Messenger Service" pop-ups.

How can we stop them?

Dave

 

[edubbs]

First, you should install some type of firewall.

You can use XP's built-in firewall, which will provide you
with LIMITED security (it only filters inbound traffic, not
outbound). Instructions can be found here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;283673

Second, you can disable the messenger service. Don't do
this without doing the first, as this just masks the
underlying problem. Click on Start > Control Panel.
Double click Administrative Tools. If you don't see that
applet, click on "Switch to classic view" on the left side.
Double click the Services applet. Scroll down to the
Messenger service. Double click it to open the Properties
window. Select Disable for the start-up type.

E

 

[Ramesh [MVP]]

Dave,

Enable the XP's Internet Connection Firewall. Or, install a third-party firewall better.

Also see: How to block Pop-ups?
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Popups.htm

--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k



Hi,

Since upgrading from ME to XP we are constantly
bombarded with these "Messenger Service" pop-ups.

How can we stop them?

Dave

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Does the title bar of these pop-ups read "Messenger Service?"

This type of spam has become quite common over the past several
months, and unintentionally serves as a valid security "alert." It
demonstrates that you haven't been taking sufficient precautions while
connected to the Internet. Your data probably hasn't been compromised
by these specific advertisements, but if you're open to this exploit,
you may well be open to other threats, such as the Blaster Worm that
recently swept cross the Internet. Install and use a decent,
properly configured firewall. (Merely disabling the messenger
service, as some people recommend, only hides the symptom, and does
little or nothing to truly secure your machine.) And ignoring or just
"putting up with" the security gap represented by these messages is
particularly foolish.

Messenger Service of Windows
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;168893

Messenger Service Window That Contains an Internet Advertisement
Appears
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=330904

Stopping Advertisements with Messenger Service Titles
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/communicate/stopspam.asp

Blocking Ads, Parasites, and Hijackers with a Hosts File
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

Whichever firewall you decide upon, be sure to ensure
UDP ports 135, 137, and 138 and TCP ports 135, 139, and 445 are _all_
blocked. 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.

You can test your firewall at:

Symantec Security Check
http://security.symantec.com/ssc/vr_main.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=23&pkj=GPVHGBYNCJEIMXQKCDT

Security Scan - Sygate Online Services
http://www.sygatetech.com/

Oh, and be especially wary of people who advise you to do nothing
more than disable the messenger service. Disabling the messenger
service, by itself, is a "head in the sand" approach to computer
security. The real problem is _not_ the messenger service pop-ups;
they're actually providing a useful, if annoying, service by acting as
a security alert. The true problem is the unsecured computer, and
you've been advised to merely turn off the warnings. How is this
helpful?


Bruce Chambers
--
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