2006-12-14 20:22:50 · 6 answers · asked by kimmie1004 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
This problem is easily fixable.
This message, that you get is unsolicited advertising and a scam.
However, getting this Messenger spam advertisements is a sign, that your PC is not up to date and you are really lacking critical Microsoft updates.
These updates are free and *should* be installed.
Immediately visit http://update.microsoft.com to get the latest updates. You definitely need Service Pack 2.
Not updating your PC with Windows Update is like having a car, where the manufacturer issues a recall because of failing brakes and not going to the car shop to get it fixed!
This will update the Windows XP Firewall and disallow this advertised Spam.
Just disabling the Messenger service is curing the symptoms, but not the cause. Furthermore don't confuse the Messenger Service with MSN Messenger.
Since you are connected to the internet with an out of date version, it is possible, that your PC is already infected with more serious malware due to several security holes in older Windows XP versions.
After having updated the PC with Windows Update, download AdAware Personal Edition and scan your PC for Spyware.
Also scan your PC for Viruses with the free Avira AntiVir.
2006-12-14 20:34:57 · answer #1 · answered by Arminator 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you may have an older version of Windows (pre XP SP2). These type of popups often exploit the Windows Messenger Service, which after SP2 is disabled by default.
A popup blocker "thingy" will be of no help in this case.
You have 2 choices to end the problem.
1. You can disable and stop Messenger Service by running services msc. on your computer.
2. You can use the free utility called Shoot The Messenger to automatically disable this unnecessary service.
http://www.grc.com/stm/shootthemessenger.htm
Please note that Windows Messenger Service is not the same as any Instant Messenger program that you may have on your computer. Disabling it will not cause you to lose any IM functionality that you may have.
Good luck
2006-12-14 22:17:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The messenger service built into Windows XP became another way for people to spam and advertise, I recommend going running services.msc from the Run line and setting Messenger to disabled.
This won't affect MSN Messenger or others.
2006-12-14 20:25:55 · answer #3 · answered by π² 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ignore the pop-up. It just wants you to buy stuff. You might have picked up some ad-ware (programs that you didn't intend to install that pop up advertisements). There are a couple of dependable free programs that you can download that will clean out the ad-ware. One is Spybot Search and Destroy, the other is LavaSoft Ad-Aware. (they also have versions that do more and cost money.) See the links.
2016-05-24 19:08:26 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds very much like your computer is infected with the Zlob Trojan. Zlob Trojan generates 'Critical System Alert' and other fake warning messages, then tries to force you into buying rogue antispyware products. To remove these message and the trojan that generates them, download and scan your PC with SpyNoMore, it is the most accurate program in detecting zlob infections.
http://www.spynomore.com/trojan-zlob.htm
2006-12-15 03:01:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://yanswers.blogspot.com/2006/12/disabling-messenger-service.html
2006-12-14 22:55:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋