I have those freakin' messenger service pop ups when I surf the net!! How do I get rid of them?

Answer 1

- Click the Start button then select the Run... option.
- Type "services.msc" and click OK, this will open the Services control panel.
- Scroll through the list until you find the service called Messenger.
- Right-click on that service and select Stop.
- After the service stops, right-click on it again and select Properties.
- Set the Startup type drop-down to "Disabled" and click OK, this will prevent that service from running again.

Note: the Messenger service is completely unrelated to the MSN Messenger instant messaging client so following these steps won't prevent you chatting to people using MSN Messenger, it just prevents you getting these spam pop-ups ever again.

And I really wouldn't follow Chuck's advice there, stopping the DNS Client service isn't necessary to fix this and could potentially impact your networking and internet capabilities. Seriously, do NOT do that.

Answer 2

Update and run your Anti-Virus program. Don't have one? You can run a free online scan from Trendmicro. When I have tested it it takes some time to run it but it may be time well spent if it can fix any problems.

Download and run http://housecall.trendmicro.com/


Download, update and run Spybot---http://www.safer-networking.org/ . Don't forget to use the Immunize feature.

Download, update and run Adaware---http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/products/select_your_product.php

Download SpywareBlaster---http://majorgeeks.com/download2859.html

SpywareBlaster doesn't scan and clean for spyware - it prevents it from ever being installed.

It's main features include:
- Prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted pests.
- Block spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox.
- Restrict the actions of potentially dangerous sites in Internet Explorer.