Registry Error

[Guest]

After installing Windows XP 2002 edition, I get a Messenger Service pop-up
suggesting that there is a "Critical error message - Registry damaged", and
that I need to download a cleaner from Microsoft.

Any assisatance would be appreciated.

Regards
Danny

 

[Ron Martell]

After installing Windows XP 2002 edition, I get a Messenger Service pop-up
suggesting that there is a "Critical error message - Registry damaged", and
that I need to download a cleaner from Microsoft.

Any assisatance would be appreciated.

Regards
Danny

You are being scammed. Windows XP does not produce any error
messages of this type.

Somebody, possibly a web site you visited or a spam email that you
opened, has loaded a popup onto your computer that is trying to con
you into downloading something from a website that appears to be
Microsoft but which will probably plant a trojan or spyware onto your
computer.

Make certain your antivirus software is completely up to date and that
you also have good spyware protection. If you need spyware
protection try the free Beta version of Microsoft Windows Defender
from http://download.microsoft.com

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[M and D]

Installing service pack 2 will likely remove that (false) message.

Steven

 

[Malke]

Installing service pack 2 will likely remove that (false) message.

While it is apparent that the OP doesn't have SP2 since he is getting
Messenger popups, installing SP2 on an obviously infested machine will
fail at the best and at the worst completely mess up the OP's install.

The OP should make sure his computer is 100% virus/malware-free by going
through removal steps here:

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

Then he should go through all necessary preparation before installing
SP2.

Are You Ready for WinXP SP2? -
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=windowsxpsp2

Follow the Service Pack Installation Checklist -
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

SP2 links to OEMs - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/oemlinks.mspx

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_s.htm#sp2 - Windows SP2 Information,
Guidelines and Troubleshooting

Malke

 

[Ted Zieglar]

Your advice is good Malke, as usual, however I'm not so sure the OP's
computer is "infested". You could get messenger spam even without being
infected. Nevertheless, it's essential for anyone planning to upgrade to SP
2 to prepare thoroughly.

 

[Malke]

Your advice is good Malke, as usual, however I'm not so sure the OP's
computer is "infested". You could get messenger spam even without
being infected. Nevertheless, it's essential for anyone planning to
upgrade to SP 2 to prepare thoroughly.

You're quite right, Ted. I was making an assumption based on my
experience with end users who still don't have SP2 on their computers
after nearly two years and who obviously don't have a firewall
installed. I should have qualified my statement by saying *possibly*
infested.

Thanks,

Malke