Pop Windows From MSN Messenger?

[profector]

I keep getting these annoying pop up windows at various times, sometimes I’ll come home from work and find I have quite a few of these thing on my desktop. I was thinkin' I read something that this has to do with the MSN Messenger, but even after I closed it in the task bar I still get the messages.


It may not really be caused by MSN service but it reminds me of ICQ pops from people that weren't on my friends list. If this sound familiar to anyone and they know how to take care of it please let me know.

[ProfessorU]

Almost MSN messenger. Actually the program is called 'windows messenger' and those messages are exploits of your computers open connection to the internet. Most likely, they come from port 137, usually NetBios. The messages are the most benign of indications that you have a serious security problem.

A free personal firewall can keep all of them out. I use zone alarm from www.zonelabs.com. Others in this forum will swear by other firewalls, but I won't preach a brand. It's just very important to have something to protect your PC. Those same ports can be used to make your computer a 'slave' and become part of attacks like the one in the headlines of this forum right now.

[Kleinkramer]

http://www.wired.com/news/technology...,55795,00.html

Messenger Service Window That Contains an Internet Advertisement Appears

Solution:

Windows XP
1. Click on the Start button and open the control panel.
2. Open the Performance and Maintenance control panel and go to Administrative Tools.
3. Now double-click on Services, then scroll to Messenger.
4. Double-click Messenger and click Stop to stop the service.
5. Change the startup type to Disable and click Apply at the bottom.
6. Click OK to exit window.


BTW, this has nothing to do with the MSN /Windows Messenger Instant Messaging service

[ProfessorU]

That solution really seems like more of a workaround to me. windows messaging is a part of windows, it shouldn't need to be disabled. It also indicates that they are already a target for port scanners. Getting a firewall will prevent this exploit and others with similar intent but different method.

[Kleinkramer]

Sure, but if you don't use the Windows Messaging Service, which not many people do, it's an excellent solution.

Disabling unneccessary services is something to be recommended (with caution, and after creating a restore point!) anyway.

And it stands without reason that a properly configured firewall is a must for everyone.

[anarchyreigns]

Originally posted by Kleinkramer
Sure, but if you don't use the Windows Messaging Service, which not many people do, it's an excellent solution.

Many programs and dependency services use the messenger services, so even if you don't use it yourself you still may need it.

[profector]

Okay I disabled the service for now. I'll find a firewall program, I had one called CONCEAL at one time and it worked good but I never moved it to the newest computer.

But for the future how do I know that another programs trying to use the messenger while its turned off? I can't think of any programs that want to have on my computer that will call home, other than to look for the newest patches.

[frebo]

if you disable windows messenger wont you also quit getting the popup from your virus protection letting you know you are up to date and wont it disable your popup to udate your microsft produts

[anarchyreigns]

Originally posted by profector
I can't think of any programs that want to have on my computer that will call home, other than to look for the newest patches.

That's not what the messenger services does. It is for administrative alerts, from either programs or users. It has nothing to do with "calling home".

[anarchyreigns]

Originally posted by frebo
if you disable windows messenger wont you also quit getting the popup from your virus protection letting you know you are up to date and wont it disable your popup to udate your microsft produts

Yes, in many cases, programs use the messenger services to alert you to things. Such as on many antivirus programs when alerting you to a virus, etc....which is why it shouldn't really be disabled. If you want to prevent spam which is using messenger services....it is better to use a firewall instead.