msmsgs.exe--what is it?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jim Madsen
  • Start date Start date
J

Jim Madsen

I got my new Dell XP Home computer going over the weekend :) Installed
firewall, ms updates, adaware, antivirus, no problems so far. Have a
few questions, and will ask them one at a time.

My firewall has a lot of these messages in it:

An instance of "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" is preparing to
access the Internet

What does that mean? I did a search, and get the feeling it has
something to do with popups, but not sure.

Jim
 
I don't have a green or red man next to the clock. How do I turn it off
(unless this is something that Dell is using for their Dell Support
Services Program.)
 
OK, I blocked it (: I am still getting used to this Norton Security
Firewall--used to use ZA, which was so easy. Still not sure why it is
accessing the internet. Guess I'll find out, if something is not
working properly.

Jim
 
that means Windows messenger is trying to access the internet.

nothing to do with popups.
 
Hi Jim,
It's MSN Messenger.You configure the firewall settings(either
allow/don't allow)for it according to your need.
regards,
ssg MS-MVP
pronetworks.org
 
S.Sengupta said:
Hi Jim,
It's MSN Messenger.You configure the firewall settings(either
allow/don't allow)for it according to your need.
regards,
ssg MS-MVP
pronetworks.org
Click to expand...

No, it is Windows Messenger, and they are totally separate programs.

"msmsgs.exe" is Windows Messenger, and "msnmgs.exe" is MSN Messenger. He is
getting Win Messenger loading up, and it is made more obviopus since he
stated his system is brand new and is just getting started.
 
I am seeing the same thing on my 6-month old HP, but it only started in the
last week or so.

The other posters are correct in telling you it's Windows Messenger, but
they have missed the point that there are a LOT of these messages.

Mine happen every 2 minutes or so (according to the Norton log). Yours the
same?

The only things I've done in the last week or so were Windows Update
KB840374 and trying Doug Knox's "xp_hide_messenger.vbs" (and the
corresponding undo), and Norton LiveUpdates of course (virus definitions and
program updates).

Anybody know why Windows Messenger goes to the internet every 2 minutes?
Maybe it always did, but Norton didn't report it before?

I'm completely clean on NAV, Adaware, Spybot, CWShredder, SpywareBlaster.
 
Kangaroo said:
I am seeing the same thing on my 6-month old HP, but it only started in the
last week or so.

The other posters are correct in telling you it's Windows Messenger, but
they have missed the point that there are a LOT of these messages.

Mine happen every 2 minutes or so (according to the Norton log). Yours the
same?

The only things I've done in the last week or so were Windows Update
KB840374 and trying Doug Knox's "xp_hide_messenger.vbs" (and the
corresponding undo), and Norton LiveUpdates of course (virus definitions and
program updates).

Anybody know why Windows Messenger goes to the internet every 2 minutes?
Maybe it always did, but Norton didn't report it before?

I'm completely clean on NAV, Adaware, Spybot, CWShredder, SpywareBlaster.
Click to expand...

I think you're referring to Messenger Service, which is a system function
for messaging over networks. If I am correct, that has nothing to do with
Windows Messenger. Sounds as if you have contracted the Sasser virus. refer
to a google search for a fix.
 
Jim said:
I don't have a green or red man next to the clock. How do I turn it off
(unless this is something that Dell is using for their Dell Support
Services Program.)
Click to expand...

It is the Windows Instant messaging program - the 'man' referred to is
an icon like a chess pawn. Either (if you have that) double click it,
or if not find it in Program Files\Messenger and run it. On its Tools -
Options - Preferences page uncheck 'Run windows messenger when Windows
starts'

Also in Outlook express, Tools - Options uncheck 'automatically log on
to Windows messenger' and in its View - Layout uncheck 'Contacts' (it
uses Messenger to manage the contacts list)
 
No, not true. The message in the Norton log is exactly the same as the OP's:

An instance of "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" is preparing to
access the Internet

It happens every ~ 2 minutes when I don't have OE running.

And, as I said, I'm completely clean on (updated) NAV, i.e. no Sasser.

In Windows Messenger I have unchecked "Run this program when Windows
starts".
In Windows Messenger I have unchecked "Allow this program to run in the
background".
In OE I have unchecked "Automatically log on to Windows Messenger".

Any other ideas?
 
Did you disable the Messenger services in services.msc?
Not setting it to manual or automatic, but to disable?

Bobby
 
Hi Bobby,

No, I still have the Messenger Service (svchost.exe) as Automatic/Started.

But we're talking about Windows Messenger (msmsgs.exe) and I understand the
two are completely unrelated (but often confused).

I have found 2 ways to stop the problem (of getting a Windows Messenger
entry in the Norton log every 2 minutes):

1) Turn Windows Messenger back *ON* to start with Windows and to run in the
background !!!
2) Uncheck NAV Instant Messenger option to protect Windows Messenger.

Things I was working on prior to noticing the problem:

1) Windows (automatic) Update KB840374.
2) Norton LiveUpdate (from memory there was a NAV program update as well as
the usual virus definitions).
3) Tried "ShootTheMessenger" (concerns Messenger Service) from grc.com, but
UNDID it.
4) Tried Doug Knox's "xp_hide_messenger.vbs" (concerns Windows Messenger
still starting with OE even if it's turned off in Windows), but UNDID it.
 
Kangaroo said:
No, not true. The message in the Norton log is exactly the same as the OP's:

An instance of "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" is preparing to
access the Internet

It happens every ~ 2 minutes when I don't have OE running.

And, as I said, I'm completely clean on (updated) NAV, i.e. no Sasser.

In Windows Messenger I have unchecked "Run this program when Windows
starts".
In Windows Messenger I have unchecked "Allow this program to run in the
background".
In OE I have unchecked "Automatically log on to Windows Messenger".

Any other ideas?
Click to expand...

Well, now that you say Norton is telling you this, yes. Change the
preferences back to where you don't want it loading up auotmatically, then
when you get the p[rompt from Nortion, (I assume you mean the firewall),
tell it to remember it to let it access it, you won't these anymore. If this
isn't the solution, then either contact Norton, or be more specific what is
giving you these messages.

When you open OE, Messnenger will load when OE does, as it does when one
accesses the web based Hotmail accounts too thru IE.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments. After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.

Ask a Question

Similar Threads

msmsgs.exe 2
msmsgs.exe (Messenger) 4
msmsgs.exe accessing internet -- Why? 3
MSMSGS.EXE, can I remove it? 6
msmsgs.exe (MSN Messenger) always loads even when configured not to 13
CRITCIMService - msmsgs.exe error - unknown hard error 1
msmsgs.exe 3
Windows XP msmsgs.exe - application error 3

Back
Top