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Invasive Messenger Popups

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Confoundicator   07-30-2003 at 05:24:43 AM

I've seen several cases of people getting invasive popups through MSN Messeger (Windows Messenger) with ads and stuff. Virus definitions and updates are current. All options have been explored in tools->options->preferences. These things will evidently pop up even if Messenger isn't open, doing things like knocking you to the desktop from a game or spawning a huge chain of popups. I don't have this on my system but I've heard several people complaining. Anyown know what's up?

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DCB_AU   07-30-2003 at 06:16:35 AM
- 0 +

There are downloadable programs available that block popups.
I saw one on those PC utility discs you get from newsagents- it had 501 progams on it.

<font color=red>DCB</font color=red><font color=white>_</font color=white><font color=blue>AU</font color=blue>

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dhlucke   07-30-2003 at 06:17:09 AM
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Turn on the windows firewall or disable the messenger service (not possitive about this last suggestion). Someone said that the messenger service isn't related to the IM program but is a service for sending IM's over a network.

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<font color=blue>GOD</font color=blue> <font color=red>BLESS</font color=red> <font color=blue>AMERICA</font color=blue>

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James35   07-30-2003 at 07:39:53 AM
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if its a grey screen that pops up something like when a file down load is completed? then its the messenger service that is automatically turned on when windows is loaded. just go to control panel > admin tools> services scroll down til you see messenger service and click stop and then disable it. the messenger service does not affect windows messenger. if they come thru on that? simply log out or goto windows explorer then to the c:/ drive > program files and rename to messengeroff. reboot and the troubles will be gone.

Reply to James35
Ganache   07-31-2003 at 07:42:39 AM
- 0 +

put a firewall and they will disapear. It because of open ports/service in windows that ppl can do that over the net.

Stupid microsoft.

Reply to Ganache
caimbeul   07-31-2003 at 05:08:31 PM
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Dont bother with a firewal as it will use system resources. I had the same thing, the above suggestion should work. an easier way to do it though is download XP-Antispy. Its a small utility that enables you to make a few changes in XP one of the is to turn windows messenger service off....its all just tick boxes. Hope this helps!

Give a lazy man an easy job and he'll find an easier way of doing it.
______________________________________________
XP2100+, 1Gb RAM, ASUS A7N8X, 64Mb Ti4200.

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DaveP   07-31-2003 at 11:49:38 PM
- 0 +

What James35 said.

My Daddy used to tell me:
<b>It's better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you're stupid,
then it is to open your mouth and prove it.</b>
I never was good at taking advice!

Reply to DaveP
caimbeul   08-01-2003 at 05:26:25 PM
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thats what i meant basically.

<i>"We have always been here." - Ambassador Koch, Babylon 5
--------------------------------------------------
<b>XP2100+, 1Gb RAM, ASUS A7N8X, PNY 64Mb Ti4200. :cool:

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kinetic_tw   08-01-2003 at 06:19:28 PM
- 0 +

I'm surprised at how quickly this has become the most asked Windows question on the net. Every forum I visit has at least one or two people asking this question on the first page. I'll think I'll compile some information in a text file and just cut&paste every time this question pops up.

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Anonymous   08-10-2003 at 05:23:57 PM
- 0 +

run/msconfig, click on the services tab and scroll down and uncheck messanger. That turns it off permanantly. :wink:

_________________________
Your arrogance is boring!

Reply to Anonymous
jmecor   08-11-2003 at 11:39:53 AM
- 0 +

but you can't do it on sp1. even how many times i uncheck it msconfig it will return back again.

<i>
"I'll Take A Quiet Life
-Handshake to Carbon Monoxide- Th.Yo."
</i>

Reply to jmecor
kinetic_tw   08-11-2003 at 06:29:57 PM
- 0 +

You've got to change the "Startup Type" to disabled, or it'll just reactivate itself every time you reboot. Here's the book I wrote regarding this issue, it's mostly cut & pastes from Microsoft.

<b>Description of the Messenger Service in WinXP:</b>
Transmits net send and Alerter service messages between clients and
servers. This service is not related to Windows Messenger. If this
service is stopped, Alerter messages will not be transmitted. If this
service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will
fail to start.

Do not use MSCONFIG to disable services. Instead type "services.msc"
at the RUN dialogue.

WHY? Because MSCONFIG will allow you to disable a service that is
vital to boot your system. With the Management Console (services.msc),
you cannot disable vital boot services.

When you are connected to the Internet, a new window may open on your
computer screen containing an advertisement. The windows are labeled
Messenger Service in the title bar. However, these messages, which are
sometimes called "messenger spam," are not related to Windows
Messenger, MSN® Messenger or such instant messaging services. Disabling
your instant messaging services will not stop this form of
advertisement.

These advertisements are sent via the Messenger Service, which is
designed for use by system administrators in Windows server-client
networks. System administrators use the messenger service to send
messages that notify you of conditions on or give status about your
network. However, some advertisers have started using this service to
send their information via the Internet.

When you disable the messenger service, it is no longer available
for receiving legitimate messages, such as administrative alerts and
notifications from antivirus programs. Be sure to talk with your
system administrator before taking this action if your computer is
part of a corporate network.

<b>How to disable the Messenger Service:</b>
1) Start > Run > type "services.msc"
2) Scroll down to "Messenger" and double click to open.
3) Set "Startup type" to "Disabled"
4) Click "Stop" under "Service status"
5) Press Apply/Ok. Exit the Services Management Console.

Be careful not to change anything other than what you intend to.

Reply to kinetic_tw
Toejam31   08-11-2003 at 08:55:07 PM
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If we're not talking about spam or popup messages coming in over the Messenger <i>Service</i> (which kinetic_tw has thoroughly and efficiently covered) but Windows Messenger, there are a couple of ways to remove the program, as illustrated in these links:

<A HREF="http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_messenger_remove.htm" target="_new">Remove Windows Messenger</A>

And my personal perference (editing the sysoc.inf file), which allows the program to be uninstalled through Add/Remove Programs, or with the "RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\inf\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove" (no quotes) command mentioned in the first link:

<A HREF="http://www.computerlynx.net/remove_messenger.htm" target="_new">How to remove Windows Messenger from Windows XP</A>

Toey

<A HREF="http://forums.btvillarin.com/index.php?act=ST&f=41&t=328&s=91c282f2e5207e99b7a652ee13b3512a" target="_new"><font color=green>My System Rigs</font color=green></A>
___________________________________________

<A HREF="http://forums.btvillarin.com/" target="_new"><b><font color=purple>BTVILLARIN.com</font color=purple></b></A> - <i><font color=orange>Your Computer Questions Answered</font color=orange></i>

Reply to Toejam31
kinetic_tw   08-11-2003 at 09:25:16 PM
- 0 +

So, Toey, I've got to ask... :cool:

Do you keep a huge library of links on hand for every imaginable question, or do you just know exactly where to look when a question pops up? (Serious Question)

Reply to kinetic_tw
Toejam31   08-12-2003 at 02:07:08 AM
- 0 +

Uh, both. :lol:

I do a lot of reading, and usually remember what I saw, and where. If the topic seems important (or might prove to be useful in the future) I make a bookmark, and drop the link into a folder. It's just a habit that somehow got started, years ago, when I first began cruising message boards like this one, and answering questions.

My Favorites folder currently has 29 subdirectories containing over 2200 links, on all sorts of subjects. It's become a useful resource, I think.

Toey

<A HREF="http://forums.btvillarin.com/index.php?act=ST&f=41&t=328&s=91c282f2e5207e99b7a652ee13b3512a" target="_new"><font color=green>My System Rigs</font color=green></A>
___________________________________________

<A HREF="http://forums.btvillarin.com/" target="_new"><b><font color=purple>BTVILLARIN.com</font color=purple></b></A> - <i><font color=orange>Your Computer Questions Answered</font color=orange></i>

Reply to Toejam31
lhgpoobaa   08-12-2003 at 07:19:07 AM
- 0 +

That acutally sounds like something you could seriously market!

Alot of organised and accumulated info.
I for one would like to get my grubby little hands on it :)

<b>Regards,
Mr no integrity coward.</b>

Reply to lhgpoobaa
kinetic_tw   08-12-2003 at 09:06:26 AM
- 0 +

2200 of ToeJam31's favorite PC troubleshooting links...Order it today for 3 easy payments of $19.95!

I have a terrible time keeping my favorites sorted and organized. They end up accumulating into one massive subdir and I have to sit down once in a while and take a few hours to sort through them all. Quite sucky! And I only have ~200, I couldnt imagine 2000.

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