G
Guest
Since I installed XP, I'm getting grey "message" emails popping up on my screen. How do I stop this horrible annoying device
Charles Austin
Charles Austin
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
D
dev
Charles Austin said:
If these are "Messenger" pop-ups, they can be banished by enabling the XP
built-in firewall (which should be done anyway). See HELP & SUPPORT for
easy instructions.
If this is a program that has been inadvertently installed on your PC,
running ADAware may enable its removal. http://www.lavasoftusa.com
Read the instructions, download, install and run the program. The basic
utility is free.
If the pop-ups are site-related - the page that is being visited - then a
pop-up blocker may help. http://google.com Search for "ad blocker".
Or install and use a new-generation browser that has pop-up blocking,
such as NetScape "streamline Navigator only" from http://sillydog.org/narchive
It will selectively block pop-ups and images, and is much more customizable
than I.E. For more...
sis the newgroup.
Or visit http://mozilla.org for links to browsers using similar technology.
Since I installed XP, I'm getting grey "message" emails popping up on my screen. How do I stop this horrible annoying device?
If these are "Messenger" pop-ups, they can be banished by enabling the XP
built-in firewall (which should be done anyway). See HELP & SUPPORT for
easy instructions.
If this is a program that has been inadvertently installed on your PC,
running ADAware may enable its removal. http://www.lavasoftusa.com
Read the instructions, download, install and run the program. The basic
utility is free.
If the pop-ups are site-related - the page that is being visited - then a
pop-up blocker may help. http://google.com Search for "ad blocker".
Or install and use a new-generation browser that has pop-up blocking,
such as NetScape "streamline Navigator only" from http://sillydog.org/narchive
It will selectively block pop-ups and images, and is much more customizable
than I.E. For more...
sis the newgroup.
Or visit http://mozilla.org for links to browsers using similar technology.
B
Bruce Chambers
Greetings --
There are at least three varieties of pop-ups, and the solutions
vary accordingly. Which specific type(s) is troubling you?
1) Does the title bar of these pop-ups read "Messenger Service?"
This type of spam has become quite common over the past several
months, and unintentionally serves as a valid security "alert." It
demonstrates that you haven't been taking sufficient precautions while
connected to the Internet. Your data probably hasn't been compromised
by these specific advertisements, but if you're open to this exploit,
you may well be open to other threats, such as the Blaster Worm that
recently swept cross the Internet. Install and use a decent,
properly configured firewall. (Merely disabling the messenger
service, as some people recommend, only hides the symptom, and does
little or nothing to truly secure your machine.) And ignoring or just
"putting up with" the security gap represented by these messages is
particularly foolish.
Messenger Service of Windows
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;168893
Messenger Service Window That Contains an Internet Advertisement
Appears
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=330904
Stopping Advertisements with Messenger Service Titles
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/communicate/stopspam.asp
Blocking Ads, Parasites, and Hijackers with a Hosts File
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
Whichever firewall you decide upon, be sure to ensure
UDP ports 135, 137, and 138 and TCP ports 135, 139, and 445 are _all_
blocked. You may also disable Inbound NetBIOS (NetBIOS over TCP/IP).
You'll have to follow the instructions from firewall's manufacturer
for the specific steps.
You can test your firewall at:
Symantec Security Check
http://security.symantec.com/ssc/vr_main.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=23&pkj=GPVHGBYNCJEIMXQKCDT
Gibson Research Corporation Home Page
https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2
Oh, and be especially wary of people who advise you to do nothing
more than disable the messenger service. Disabling the messenger
service, by itself, is a "head in the sand" approach to computer
security. The real problem is _not_ the messenger service pop-ups;
they're actually providing a useful, if annoying, service by acting as
a security alert. The true problem is the unsecured computer, and
you've been advised to merely turn off the warnings. How is this
helpful?
2) For regular Internet pop-ups, you might try the free 12Ghosts
Popup-killer from http://12ghosts.com/ghosts/popup.htm, Pop-Up Stopper
from http://www.panicware.com/, or the Google Toolbar from
http://toolbar.google.com/, which is what I use.
3) To deal with pop-ups caused by any sort of "adware" and/or
"spyware,"such as Gator, Comet Cursors, Xupiter, Bonzai Buddy, or
KaZaA, and their remnants, that you've deliberately (but without
understanding the consequences) installed, two products that are
quite effective (at finding and removing this type of scumware) are
Ad-Aware from www.lavasoft.de and SpyBot Search & Destroy from
http://security.kolla.de/. Both have free versions. It's even
possible to use SpyBot Search & Destroy to "immunize" your system
against most future intrusions. I use both and generally perform
manual scans every week or so to clean out cookies, etc.
Bruce Chambers
--
Help us help you:
You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH
There are at least three varieties of pop-ups, and the solutions
vary accordingly. Which specific type(s) is troubling you?
1) Does the title bar of these pop-ups read "Messenger Service?"
This type of spam has become quite common over the past several
months, and unintentionally serves as a valid security "alert." It
demonstrates that you haven't been taking sufficient precautions while
connected to the Internet. Your data probably hasn't been compromised
by these specific advertisements, but if you're open to this exploit,
you may well be open to other threats, such as the Blaster Worm that
recently swept cross the Internet. Install and use a decent,
properly configured firewall. (Merely disabling the messenger
service, as some people recommend, only hides the symptom, and does
little or nothing to truly secure your machine.) And ignoring or just
"putting up with" the security gap represented by these messages is
particularly foolish.
Messenger Service of Windows
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;168893
Messenger Service Window That Contains an Internet Advertisement
Appears
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=330904
Stopping Advertisements with Messenger Service Titles
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/communicate/stopspam.asp
Blocking Ads, Parasites, and Hijackers with a Hosts File
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
Whichever firewall you decide upon, be sure to ensure
UDP ports 135, 137, and 138 and TCP ports 135, 139, and 445 are _all_
blocked. You may also disable Inbound NetBIOS (NetBIOS over TCP/IP).
You'll have to follow the instructions from firewall's manufacturer
for the specific steps.
You can test your firewall at:
Symantec Security Check
http://security.symantec.com/ssc/vr_main.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=23&pkj=GPVHGBYNCJEIMXQKCDT
Gibson Research Corporation Home Page
https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2
Oh, and be especially wary of people who advise you to do nothing
more than disable the messenger service. Disabling the messenger
service, by itself, is a "head in the sand" approach to computer
security. The real problem is _not_ the messenger service pop-ups;
they're actually providing a useful, if annoying, service by acting as
a security alert. The true problem is the unsecured computer, and
you've been advised to merely turn off the warnings. How is this
helpful?
2) For regular Internet pop-ups, you might try the free 12Ghosts
Popup-killer from http://12ghosts.com/ghosts/popup.htm, Pop-Up Stopper
from http://www.panicware.com/, or the Google Toolbar from
http://toolbar.google.com/, which is what I use.
3) To deal with pop-ups caused by any sort of "adware" and/or
"spyware,"such as Gator, Comet Cursors, Xupiter, Bonzai Buddy, or
KaZaA, and their remnants, that you've deliberately (but without
understanding the consequences) installed, two products that are
quite effective (at finding and removing this type of scumware) are
Ad-Aware from www.lavasoft.de and SpyBot Search & Destroy from
http://security.kolla.de/. Both have free versions. It's even
possible to use SpyBot Search & Destroy to "immunize" your system
against most future intrusions. I use both and generally perform
manual scans every week or so to clean out cookies, etc.
Bruce Chambers
--
Help us help you:
You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH
on my screen. How do I stop this horrible annoying device?Charles Austin said:Since I installed XP, I'm getting grey "message" emails popping up
B
Bruce Chambers
Greetings --
Please stop deliberately posting potentially harmful advice.
Disabling the messenger service, as you advise, is a "head in the
sand" approach to computer security that leaves the PC vulnerable to
threats such as the W32.Blaster.Worm.
The real problem is _not_ the messenger service pop-ups; they're
actually providing a useful service by acting as a security alert. The
true problem is the unsecured computer, and you're only
advice, however well-intended, was to turn off the warnings. How is
this helpful?
Equivalent Scenario: You over-exert your shoulder at work or
play, causing bursitis. After weeks of annoying and sometimes
excruciating pain whenever you try to reach over your head, you go to
a doctor and say, while demonstrating the motion, "Doc, it hurts when
I do this." The doctor, being as helpful as you are, replies, "Well,
don't do that."
The only true way to secure the PC, short of disconnecting it from
the Internet, is to install and *properly* configure a firewall; just
installing one and letting it's default settings handle things is no
good. Unfortunately, this does require one to learn a little bit more
about using a computer than used to be necessary.
Bruce Chambers
--
Help us help you:
You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH
the "Services" window, select "Messenger". Make sure you don't select
"Windows Messenger," but rather just "Messenger".
button labelled "Stop," and also change the "Startup type" to
"Disabled" so it is disabled everytime you reboot your machine.
Please stop deliberately posting potentially harmful advice.
Disabling the messenger service, as you advise, is a "head in the
sand" approach to computer security that leaves the PC vulnerable to
threats such as the W32.Blaster.Worm.
The real problem is _not_ the messenger service pop-ups; they're
actually providing a useful service by acting as a security alert. The
true problem is the unsecured computer, and you're only
advice, however well-intended, was to turn off the warnings. How is
this helpful?
Equivalent Scenario: You over-exert your shoulder at work or
play, causing bursitis. After weeks of annoying and sometimes
excruciating pain whenever you try to reach over your head, you go to
a doctor and say, while demonstrating the motion, "Doc, it hurts when
I do this." The doctor, being as helpful as you are, replies, "Well,
don't do that."
The only true way to secure the PC, short of disconnecting it from
the Internet, is to install and *properly* configure a firewall; just
installing one and letting it's default settings handle things is no
good. Unfortunately, this does require one to learn a little bit more
about using a computer than used to be necessary.
Bruce Chambers
--
Help us help you:
You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH
Start --> Control Panel --> Administrative Tools --> Services. FromDoug Mehus said:Hi Charlie:
The pop-up windows you are encountering can be disabled by going to
the "Services" window, select "Messenger". Make sure you don't select
"Windows Messenger," but rather just "Messenger".
"Enabled" right now and that's the reason for the pop-ups. Press theNow, see where it says "Service status"? Presumably, it is reading
button labelled "Stop," and also change the "Startup type" to
"Disabled" so it is disabled everytime you reboot your machine.
G
Guest
Obviously, purchasing a decent firewall and configuring it properly is the most *ideal* solution. However, I knew from his post that he needed a "quick fix" approach until such time as he can properly secure his machine. I don't see it as harmful at all, Bruce. Microsoft itself ships Windows XP SP1a, which came with my PC, with the Messenger service disabled and stopped. So, I was merely passing on information that Microsoft itself would recommend
There was really no need to get so "snarky" with me. As for not recommending the firewall solution as part of my post, it was a misstep and, in hindsight, I should've included it. So sorry for my lack of foresight
I care about computer security as much as you do. I'm passionate about using trusted, open source software whenever possible; the power of firewalls; and not installing scumware such as KaZaA which includes the Claria GAIN technology. But please, don't jump on someone for forgetting to include an approach. Frankly, it's pathetic and unnecessary
Cheers
Doug
There was really no need to get so "snarky" with me. As for not recommending the firewall solution as part of my post, it was a misstep and, in hindsight, I should've included it. So sorry for my lack of foresight
I care about computer security as much as you do. I'm passionate about using trusted, open source software whenever possible; the power of firewalls; and not installing scumware such as KaZaA which includes the Claria GAIN technology. But please, don't jump on someone for forgetting to include an approach. Frankly, it's pathetic and unnecessary
Cheers
Doug
G
Guest
Hi, you can download SECRETMAKER from internet. It's a SPAM Killer and a POP-UP blocker. I using it 'till 6 months now and almost all of these things are stopped by it. Go to:http://www.secretmaker.com/ and dowload the program. Install it and appreciate.
K
Kevin Davis³
Oh, and be especially wary of people who advise you to do nothing
more than disable the messenger service. Disabling the messenger
service, by itself, is a "head in the sand" approach to computer
security. The real problem is _not_ the messenger service pop-ups;
they're actually providing a useful, if annoying, service by acting as
a security alert. The true problem is the unsecured computer, and
you've been advised to merely turn off the warnings. How is this
helpful?
Oh, and don't forget that the Messenger Service would also provide a
useful service to hackers if it is not patched:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/security/bulletin/ms03-043.asp
Setup a firewall first, but if you don't need the Messenger Service,
turn it off. If you need it, patch it. You would also be well
advised to spend $50 and buy a home router.
Be especially wary of people who would insist on having you keep the
Messenger Service on as a "helpful feature" and conveniently
forgetting to inform you that it has a very serious vulnerability that
needs to be patched immediately.
And of particular interest is that Microsoft itself and security
experts are seriously reconsidering the role of the Messenger service:
http://www.infoworld.com/article/03/10/28/HNmessengeroff_1.html
http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,113321,tk,dn110703X,00.asp
http://news.com.com/2100-7355_3-5095935.html
http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/internet/11/07/microsoft.popup.reut/index.html
Here's a link where Microsoft actually outright advises the user to
turn off the Messenger Service:
http://www.microsoft.com/WindowsXP/pro/using/howto/communicate/stopspam.asp
Those who would advise not to turn off the Messenger Service for the
less than trivial unintended side benefit of being a warning is
dispensing advice which contradicts the advice of many real security
professionals.