Disable Windows "Messenger"

[bear]

There have been cases where spammers have been using the "net send" feature of Windows to broadcast popups to unwitting users via Window's "Messenger" alerter service. Unless your computer is part of an office where the folks running the network need to send you notices (in which case they should have secured this issue anyway), it's safe and even recommended to disable this service.
Bear in mind, Windows "Messenger" is not related to, nor will it affect MSN Messenger.

Here's how:

To disable Messenger, there are several steps involved.
First: open your Norton AV program, and look for "instant messenger protection" and remove the check mark (if it exists). Close.
Second: Open Outlook Express (if you're using it) and go to tools->options, and then the general tab. Remove the check from "Allow this program to run in the background", or "Automatically log on to Windows Messenger" (depends on version), and click OK. Close OE.
Third: Go to your Windows control panel and look for "administrative tools", and once there, "services". Find "Messenger", right click, and choose properties, then select the option to "disable" from the drop down box next to "startup type". Click OK.
Lastly: Before leaving this admin section, right click "Messenger" in the list, and choose "stop".

Reboot the system, and see if this stops the issue.

[Michael]

That's a good tutorial bear, thanks a lot for it. I think it may be disabled by default in new versions of windows as it already seems to be disabled on my computer.

[bear]

Thanks, Michael. I wrote this one up since I've run into about 6 different users lately that thought they were infected, only to finally determine Messenger was to blame. Maybe older installations?

[Rocker]

Good Xmas present indeed, Bear. I feel bad that it took me so long to see it. Gotta get back on here more often. :eek:

[bear]

I feel bad that it took me so long to see it. Gotta get back on here more often.
Man, I thought you'd finally given up on us. too many tech forums on the net, and this one isn't busy enough to warrant a second glance for most visitors.
:wallbash:

[Rocker]

I'm a simple kinda guy, Bear...I stick with those I trust...I may be slow sometimes, but, like molasses in winter, I get there... :beer: