Stop receiving pop-up ads that have the title Messenger Service

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Stop receiving pop-up ads that have the title Messenger Service

If advertisements open on your computer in a window titled Messenger Service, your system might not be protected from Internet viruses and unauthorized access. To help protect your computer, you should turn on Windows Firewall (or another firewall of your choice) and also disable the Messenger Service feature in Windows XP.

Although the name is similar, these Messenger service messages, which are sometimes called "messenger spam," are not related to Windows Messenger, MSN Messenger, or other instant messaging services. Disabling instant messaging programs is not necessary and will not prevent Messenger Service spam.

To disable Messenger Service in Windows XP

  1. Click Start, click Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, click Administrative Tools, and then double-click Services.
  2. In the Services list, double-click Messenger.
  3. In the Startup type list, click Disabled.
  4. Click Stop, and then click OK.

Notes

  • You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group in order to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings might also prevent you from completing this procedure.
  • For information about Windows Firewall, click Start, click Help and Support, and search for Windows Firewall.
  • If your computer is part of a corporate network, talk to your system administrator before taking this action.

* Related Topic

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