Internet
customers can receive spam in the form of a Windows
pop-up on Windows XP/2000/NT machines. This Windows
pop-up is made possible by a service called Windows
Messenger (not to be confused with MSN Messenger), which
is installed by default on XP/2000/NT machines.
While
this service does not allow remote access to information
on an individual's computer, it can provide a conduit
for unsolicited messages or advertising. An individual
can identify a message as being sent through Windows
Messenger by examining the title bar of the window.
The words "Messenger Service" will appear in the title
bar indicate that you have Windows Messenger Services
enabled.
Instructions
for Disabling Windows Messenger Pop Ups:
Windows
XP
Click on the Start button and open the control panel.
Open the Performance and Maintenance control panel and
go to Administrative Tools.
Now double-click on Services, then scroll to Messenger.
Double-click Messenger and click Stop to stop the service.
Change the startup type to Disable and click Apply at
the bottom.
Click OK to exit window.
Windows
2000
Click on the Start button -> Settings -> Control
Panel.
Double click on Administrative Tools.
Now double-click on Services, then scroll to Messenger.
Double-click Messenger and click Stop to stop the service.
Change the startup type to Disable and click Apply at
the bottom.
Click OK to exit window.
Another
method to rid your system of this annoyance is to block
NetBIOS ports 135, 137, 138. and 139 through the firewall.
Each firewall uses a different method of blocking ports.
Consult the firewall documentation or website for information
on the proper procedure.