Computer Help Please-Annoying Messenger Service Ad Pop Ups!

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 5:16 am

OK,OK! I know its not on topic but once I'm connected to the internet these pop up boxes appear from "Messenger Service". They started appearing 2 weeeks ago on my screen when I'm in the middle of anything I'm doing on the internet and its driving me to distraction.

I get on adverage about 4 or 5 messenger service pop ups advertising boxes appearing each hour!! They range from anything i.e. from weight loss to adult services :rolleyes:

1). Anyone know where this crap is originating from?

2). Any quick way to get rid of them or better still, to shove them back up the originators ass?

3). What on earth caused them to sudddenly appear on my computer in the first place?

The only thing I can think of is recently I was asked to update my windows messenger by the windows messenger icon on my computer (not by an e-mail) which I did. I also broke my rule of not replying to unsolicited mail when I sent a sarcy reply to a Nigerian chain letter e-mail. Thats about it.

CB · Post by CB » Thu Jul 10, 2003 7:59 am

I have been suffering exactly the same thing Robbie - but have not upgraded Messenger or replied to any Spam. I think it was the reason my pc crashed last night (if you were wondering where i went last night Julia)
Help us Obi-Wan....you're our only hope....

GARNETT · Post by **GARNETT** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 8:15 am

I have been getting that crap for the last 2 weeks and cant make it stop

TheMinel · Post by **TheMinel** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 9:45 am

I'd suggest a good firewall with anti popup ad..... something like ZoneAlarm... there's a free version available.. but don't think it includes the anti popup feature.....also there are manylittle softwares that block spyware and adware.... there was a thread about it a while ago and I downloaded mine from a link there.... I'm i work now and don't know the link.... try the search engine

Andy-W · Post by **Andy-W** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 9:59 am

If you have windows XP you can stop them altogether.
On the start menu select control panel. Then select Administrative tools. Then select Services. In the menu that appears scroll down to Messenger and right click on it and select properties. Then there is and option to disable it.

It does warn that some programs may not like you turning it off but I am yet to encounter any and now surf in complete peace.

MattB · Post by **MattB** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 10:15 am

You need to get a decent firewall sorted out - all later Windows versions have the messenger service which is used for sending messages across networks (we use it here at work for announcements such as "server being rebooted" etc). It's possible for someone outside the network to send such a message to your computer if you don't have an adequate firewall.

You can stop the messenger service in Services but this is still leaving your computer vulnerable to other attacks.

Julia · Post by **Julia** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 10:28 am

I keep getting these annoying pop ups too - only at home not at work!
They come up as error type boxes and say dont click ok.. copy and paste the link and come and see how much money you could save or how much weight you could lose.
Sooooo annoying.

CB - I did wonder where you had gone! Thought they had come to take you back where you belong

MattB · Post by **MattB** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 10:52 am

I keep getting these annoying pop ups too - only at home not at work!

That's coz you'll be firewalled at work and not at home...

Alex LS · Post by **Alex LS** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 1:14 pm

The Messenger Service has, believe it or not, absolutely nothing to do with MSN Messenger. Originally intended for network adminstrators, it's a facility that allows anyone anywhere in the world to pop up an annoying box with their own message.

A pop-up blocker will not block it - the only way to stop it is with a firewall or by disabling the service, unless you're running 95/98/me in which case you're screwed.

See http://www.itc.virginia.edu/desktop/docs/messagepopup/ for instructions.

lisa_mac · Post by **lisa_mac** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 5:53 pm

Wondered what they were, got a bit concerned when "Tina" from Brazil msged me about some random farm porn thing (was convinced it was Erm

) !!!

britboy · Post by **britboy** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 6:02 pm

The important thing is you don't need a firewall to sort this out .. whoever said that was wrong.

You just need to turn off the option .. this takes approximately 1 minute and is easy (see Alex LS post).

Don't bother fretting about a blimin' firewall and thinking 'ooh better spend Â£x on it' or anything.

1 minute -- problem solved.

stephen T · Post by **stephen T** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 6:09 pm

yea firewalls wont stop this. u need to turn it off like andy said.

Cappy · Post by **Cappy** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 7:47 pm

We get it too , Riss said we are going top change the home page that may help.???

Erm · Post by **Erm** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 8:24 pm

Wondered what they were, got a bit concerned when "Tina" from Brazil msged me about some random farm porn thing (was convinced it was Erm ) !!!

stephen T · Post by **stephen T** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 8:30 pm

LOL.