Windows messenger

[LeVar Burton]

I just got my new hard drive and reinstalled windows and a messenger keeps popping up suggesting things like anti pop up software and stuff like that. I DL'd the microsoft security update and all that, but how do I turn off this F'ing messenger?

[Jeffro]

Originally posted by LeVar Burton
I just got my new hard drive and reinstalled windows and a messenger keeps popping up suggesting things like anti pop up software and stuff like that. I DL'd the microsoft security update and all that, but how do I turn off this F'ing messenger?

Right click on my computer, then click on manage...

Then goto services and applications, then services, then find "windows messenger" or "messenger"...

Then disable it

[LeVar Burton]

Muchas gracias, Jeffro. Right when I was bringing all that stuff up another message popped up for online gambling... is this normal, or should I be worried? I just disabled the messenger, but why in the hell would windows start with that POS installed and running if I can be bombarded with advertisements like that?

[Tommy Boy]

disabling the messenger in services should do it...

very annoying!

[Colonel Ingus]

Insert generic MS bashing here

Why do those morons ship it enabled. Big customer market out there for people who want that crap coming up on their system?

[Tommy Boy]

consider it like putting a lock on your door at the new home...then leaving it open...

It isn't right, but they do it. This is a perfect example why these forums have been so helpful to me...finding out the answers to questions like this...

Messenger service, as opposed to the windows messenger program (chat, email, etc), is included in any NTFS based windows (2000, XP, and I think NT). It essentially allows you to send a message to another pc on the network, much like a chat window (long before AIM was huge). Why they have this service enabled by default is beyound my understanding, since 99% of their user base WON'T use it. However, knowing that it is on, TONS of companies target this weakness to send you pop-up ads (many of which ironically advertise pop-up blockers ).


Also, I'd highly suggest ad-aware (http://www.lavasoftusa.com).

I'm guessing they had no idea the messenger service would be exploited the way it was... errr that's what I keep trying to tell myself.

[King]

whats crazy is that i just came strolling in here... found an answer to a question i've had forever... when anything goes wrong w/ my comp... i just think of the scene in South Park the movie... it starts with a general saying "GET BILL GATES IN HERE...."

anywho, thanks to everyone who posted the info.

Sludge

Pretty funny - I remember wars - making batch files and attacking each other's PC's - me and Ryan did that. I think I had about a 10mb text file just with (probably wrong syntax) 'net send Ryan "You smacker"' over and over again just ready to be madee into a bat file if Ryan pissed me off - then we figured out how to disable it.


Now, I think it is ironic - Company A needs you to get their software to stop Company A from sending you ads.

That's like a company intentionally releasing plagues locusts on your crops with tags on them - "Bag-The-Bug nets - Free on http://www.catchthebugs.com!"






Well... I couldn't come up with a better analogy.

[Camel toe joe]

2 words fire wall

[Tommy Boy]

does a router do the same thing as a firewall?

Originally posted by Tommy Boy
does a router do the same thing as a firewall?

No, but those Netgear and Linksys boxes you buy at the computer store do both.

Originally posted by Dakana
Pretty funny - I remember wars - making batch files and attacking each other's PC's - me and Ryan did that. I think I had about a 10mb text file just with (probably wrong syntax) 'net send Ryan "You smacker"' over and over again just ready to be madee into a bat file if Ryan pissed me off - then we figured out how to disable it.

Wouldn't it be easier to just smack him on the head with a rolled up newspaper?

[Tommy Boy]

Originally posted by RCinator
No, but those Netgear and Linksys boxes you buy at the computer store do both.

I have a Lynksys box...are you saying that is my firewall?

How do I check this to make sure...do you know?