Windows Messenger as a server

[Guest]

I have Windows XP & Zone Alarm. Zone Alarm constantly pops up the notice that
Windows Messenger is trying to act as server. Dumb question, but is it safe
to trust Windows Messenger or can outside sources exploit it? A short
explanation of what Windows Messenger is for, would be appreciated too.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Greetings Indie,

There's a number of things that will cause ZoneAlarm to pop-up this message including Windows
Messenger listening for UPnP traffic, file transfers, and the like. This should be fine to
trust and there are no known exploits.

However, if you decide not to trust it, it still should work (although file transfer et al
may be compromised).

--
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Messenger/MSN Messenger/Windows Live Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com
All posts unless otherwise specified are (c) 2006 Jonathan Kay.
You *must* contact me for redistribution rights.