Windows Messenger Service

[G H]

How do I disable the windows messenger service? I'm not talking about MSN
(the chat service), but the nuisance service where people send you unwelcome
(and usually pornographic!)
messenges (in grey windows).
Thanks in advance.

 

[David Candy]

There's no point. Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP and enable your firewall.

You are most probably infected with viruses as you haven't done the above.

 

[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

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

--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH

 

[Steve]

How To Get Rid Of Microsoft Messenger
-------------------------------------------
Navigate to c:\windows\inf. In the INF folder find file sysoc.inf and double
click on it (file opens with notepad).

(If you can't find INF folder make sure you are showing all files and
folders as folder may be hidden. To enable 'Show hidden files and folders'
simply select Tools then Folder Options from Windows Menu. Then click on the
'View' tab and under the hidden files and folders sub-title you change
change this setting to 'Show hidden files and Folders').

The first paragraph is labelled 'Version' You are after the second paragraph
'Components'
Go to line 15 which reads :
msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,hide,7
Remove the 'hide' and change to : msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,7

Once changed go to file menu and select File then Save.

To simply remove Microsoft Messenger now go to Control Panel, Add Remove
Programs, Add Remove Windows Components. Now You will see that Microsoft
Messenger appears in the list now and is no longer hidden. Simply remove
from here as with any other program.

How To Get Rid Of Pop Ups
------------------------------
Right click on "MY COMPUTER" icon and select 'Manage'.

Then select 'services and applications' in the right hand window.

Double click that and when that opens up there should be another entry that
says 'Services'.

Double click 'services' then a window should come up.

On the right side of the window scroll down and look for one that says
MESSENGER SERVICE.

When found right click on it and select 'Properties'.

Under the 'general' tab halfway down you will see 'Startup Type' that says
'automatic'.
Change that to DISABLED press apply and restart your computer.

NO MORE MESSENGER SERVICE OR ANNOYING POP-UPS.

Steve