Pop-Ups

[Dave]

About 6 weeks ago I got a new computer with Windows XP
SP1 installed. I now have problems I never had previously
with pop-ups. However 95% of the pop-up messages are from
people trying to sell me software to prevent them! They
include:
message buster.com, killmessage.com, messageaway.com,
messagestopper.com, blockmessage.com, saveyourprivacy.com.

Is there any way to stop these people? Or to get
Microsoft to deal with them?

Thanks!

Dave

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Dave;
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.

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

 

[Shenan T. Stanley]

About 6 weeks ago I got a new computer with Windows XP
SP1 installed. I now have problems I never had previously
with pop-ups. However 95% of the pop-up messages are from
people trying to sell me software to prevent them! They
include:
message buster.com, killmessage.com, messageaway.com,
messagestopper.com, blockmessage.com, saveyourprivacy.com.

Is there any way to stop these people? Or to get
Microsoft to deal with them?

First, please read my signature - it has links that lead to web pages that
show you how you could find these answers yourself..

You need to enable either your built in firewall or install and configure a
third party firewall. (the only people I KNOW cannot do the built in
firewall are you poor AOL users. AOL, in their genius, has futzed up some
works and the built in software doesn't work with AOL, you WILL have to get
a third party application and learn to use it - sorry - it's the price you
pay for going AOL, I guess. heh)

Advice on Popups and their elimination:

http://www.fracas.net/newsgroups/generaladvice.html#popups
or
http://tinyurl.com/el9s

Advice on Firewalls:

http://www.fracas.net/newsgroups/generaladvice.html#firewalls
or
http://tinyurl.com/el9u

You may want to look over the whole page.

More Information:

Here's what "Mike Nash" - a Microsoft representative - had to say when
asked the question you are askig now. This was OVER a month ago, and in
March 2003, the same question was asked of another couple of Microsoft
Employees, whose answer was (at the time) to disable the messenger service.
(Keith Combs and Kai Axford) Eek. Well, you really need the firewall too.
Both articles can be found at:

http://tinyurl.com/hftn
and
http://tinyurl.com/hftq

(Shortened for convenience, they are Microsoft Sites..)

Host: Mike Nash (Microsoft)
Q: I have windows XP and I have been having those stupid messenger popups. I
have gone to the sites and they say that Microsoft is the one putting it
out. I don't believe it and would like to know if it is true. If it is how
can i get rid of it?
A: First, Microsoft is not the source of the Messenger spam that youre
talking about. Second, the quickest and easiest way to get rid of unwanted
Messenger popups with Windows XP is to enable Internet Connection Firewall
(ICF). There are more details, as well as instructions for getting rid of
pop in all types of deployment scenarios in Knowledge Base article 330904
(http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;330904). Directions
to enable ICF are located in Knowledge Base article 283673
(http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;283673).