Windows Messenger = Windows Mess!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dave Gower
  • Start date Start date
D

Dave Gower

OK so I downloaded SP1 and turned off my ports as per Microsoft's firewall
instructions. We'll see if that gets rid of those Messenger pop-ups.

But for me the point is I NEVER ASKED FOR MESSENGER. I bought XP because it
came bundled with my new computer. I have no current need or desire to make
free long-distance calls or have video conferences. So why does Microsoft
make me jump through hoops to get rid of those messages? Why can't I opt in
and select my exposure settings AFTER I decide to participate in this new
type of communication, not before?

Bill Gates does it again! How do we get our $50 billion back?
 
Dave said:
OK so I downloaded SP1 and turned off my ports as per Microsoft's
firewall instructions. We'll see if that gets rid of those Messenger
pop-ups.

But for me the point is I NEVER ASKED FOR MESSENGER. I bought XP
because it came bundled with my new computer. I have no current need
or desire to make free long-distance calls or have video conferences.
So why does Microsoft make me jump through hoops to get rid of those
messages? Why can't I opt in and select my exposure settings AFTER I
decide to participate in this new type of communication, not before?

Bill Gates does it again! How do we get our $50 billion back?
Click to expand...

If you don't want it, don't use is, nobody is forcing you to!
See here http://www.dougknox.com/index.html
under "Prevent Windows messenger from automatically starting"
 
OK so I downloaded SP1 and turned off my ports as per Microsoft's firewall
instructions. We'll see if that gets rid of those Messenger pop-ups.

But for me the point is I NEVER ASKED FOR MESSENGER. I bought XP because it
came bundled with my new computer. I have no current need or desire to make
free long-distance calls or have video conferences. So why does Microsoft
make me jump through hoops to get rid of those messages? Why can't I opt in
and select my exposure settings AFTER I decide to participate in this new
type of communication, not before?

Bill Gates does it again! How do we get our $50 billion back?
Click to expand...

The popups from the command line messenger service builtin to XP have
nothing to do with Windows Messenger.

Messenger service is a command line interface designed for short text
messages between computers on the same network. Internet spammers use
software that takes advantage of this program if certain ports are not
blocked when connected to the internet. The messenger service (net send
command) has been around for ages. The spamming software is a relative
newcomer and hated by all except apparently the spammers. Last article I
read about this software mentioned that it runs about $700 a pop!

Windows Messenger is similar to MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, AIM etc. If
you don't use it, it can be turned off in its setup menus. If using Outlook
Express or Outlook, disable the automatic startup of messenger in those
programs too.
 
Wim said:
If you don't want it, don't use is, nobody is forcing you to!
See here ..."Prevent Windows messenger from automatically starting"
Click to expand...

That's NOT the point. See the Microsoft website. Even when it is off,
messages get in. That's my beef.
 
Sharon F said:
The popups from the command line messenger service builtin to XP have
nothing to do with Windows Messenger.

Messenger service is a command line interface designed for short text
messages between computers on the same network.
Click to expand...

OK. Thank you for that. But you have to admit that since the word
"messenger" appears in both software applications, the outsider is
automatically going to think they are related. I appreciate your explanation
but it sure is not conveyed at all well in any of the Windows Help or dialog
boxes I looked at.

My point though is still valid. I bought XP as a computer operating system.
Popups in my face are not "operating the computer" in any acceptable
fashion. No wonder so many people are favouring Linux.

Cheers and thanks again.
 
OK. Thank you for that. But you have to admit that since the word
"messenger" appears in both software applications, the outsider is
automatically going to think they are related. I appreciate your explanation
but it sure is not conveyed at all well in any of the Windows Help or dialog
boxes I looked at.

My point though is still valid. I bought XP as a computer operating system.
Popups in my face are not "operating the computer" in any acceptable
fashion. No wonder so many people are favouring Linux.

Cheers and thanks again.
Click to expand...

You're welcome, Dan. And yes, I agree it is very confusing. We didn't even
discuss another MS program called MSN Messenger!

BTW, using a firewall is waaay easier than switching to Linux ;)

Regards,
 
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