Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (
More info?)
Knew you would be here...... <w>
--
All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)
Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com
"Bruce Chambers" <bchambers@cable0ne.n3t> wrote in message
news:e9MbnQOoFHA.1468@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
> moushia wrote:
>> Because of a virus I had to restore my system, but since then I keep
>> getting these pop up windows with "Message Error" or "Messenger Service"
>> on the top and advising of various errors or registry corruption and they
>> give me a link to go and download the fix. They do not look like the
>> Windows applets. How do I find out if they are legit or bogus?
>> Many thanks,
>
>
>
> You are the intended victim of a scam.
>
> The so-called warnings are actually spam advertising from one or more
> of several very unscrupulous "businesses." They're trying to sell you
> patches that Microsoft provides free-of-charge, and using a very intrusive
> means of advertising. It's also demonstrating that your PC is very
> unsecured.
>
> This type of spam has become quite common over the past couple of
> years, 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 most definitely open to other threats, such as the Blaster,
> Welchia, and Sasser Worms that still haunt 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 UP ports 135,
> 137, and 138 and TCP ports 135, 139, and 445 are all blocked. You
> may also disable Inbound 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
>
> Security Scan - Sygate Online Services
> http://www.sygatetech.com/
>
> 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?
>
> There are several essential components to computer security: a
> knowledgeable and pro-active user, a properly configured firewall,
> reliable and up-to-date antivirus software, and the prompt repair (via
> patches, hotfixes, or service packs) of any known vulnerabilities.
>
> The weakest link in this "equation" is, of course, the computer
> user. No software manufacturer can -- nor should they be expected
> to -- protect the computer user from him/herself. All too many people
> have bought into the various PC/software manufacturers marketing
> claims of easy computing. They believe that their computer should be
> no harder to use than a toaster oven; they have neither the
> inclination or desire to learn how to safely use their computer. All
> too few people keep their antivirus software current, install patches
> in a timely manner, or stop to really think about that cutesy link
> they're about to click.
>
> Firewalls and anti-virus applications, which should always be used
> and should always be running, are important components of "safe hex,"
> but they cannot, and should not be expected to, protect the computer
> user from him/herself. Ultimately, it is incumbent upon each and
> every computer user to learn how to secure his/her own computer.
>
> To learn more about practicing "safe hex," start with these links:
>
> Protect Your PC
>
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp
>
> Home Computer Security
> http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/
>
> List of Antivirus Software Vendors
>
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;49500
>
> Home PC Firewall Guide
> http://www.firewallguide.com/
>
> Scumware.com
> http://www.scumware.com/
>
>
> --
>
> Bruce Chambers
>
> Help us help you:
>
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>
> You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
> both at once. - RAH
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram