Stopping Messenger Service Popups
Tired of messages like the one below popping onto your screen?
Although these popup messages say "Messenger Service" in the title bar, they aren't related to Windows Messenger. They're part of something called the "Message Service" or "Net Send" -- an unrelated Windows feature that's designed to let network administrators send messages to users of their networks.
For example, Windows sometimes uses this same Messenger Service to notify users that a print job is completed, or if the power dies and the Uninterruptible Power Supply has kicked in. Some third-party programs also use the service to send messages to the user when something happens -- when a virus is detected, for example.
The safest way to keep out the spammers is to install Windows XP's Service Pack 2 and make sure you've turned on XP's built-in Firewall.
The Service Pack contains many fixes to Windows XP, including the ability for the Firewall to filter out unwanted "Message Service" spam coming from the Internet. It leaves the Message Service turned on, however, letting your computer's programs use the service for authorized messages informing you of how your computer is behaving.
If you don't want to install the Service Pack, you can also fix the problem by turning off the Message Service completely. However, this keeps the good programs from using the Message Service as well as the bad. But if you prefer this route, follow these steps:
- Click Start, and then click Control Panel (or point to Settings, and then click Control Panel).
- Double-click Administrative Tools.
- Double-click Services.
- Double-click Messenger.
- In the Startup type list, click Disabled.
- Click Stop, and then click OK.
Microsoft offers more information about Messenger Service abuse.