You may get ads popping up on your screen through the “Messenger Service” built in to Windows. It is a rarely used service that probably should have been disabled by default. Now it’s being misused by spammers.
Please note that this is NOT the instant messaging product named “Windows Messenger” or “MSN Messenger.” It is a separate service that can be turned off without affecting the instant messenger programs.
AOL has recently begun turning off the Messenger service on its subscribers’ computers, even though it is not an AOL component. That’s raising some eyebrows because in theory it’s not clear whether AOL should be mucking around with computer settings without clear notice and consent. But in practice, everybody agrees that the Messenger service should be turned off.
You might save yourself some popups if you turn it off yourself. Be careful and don’t change other services on a whim! There can be unexpected consequences.
Windows 2000
1. Click Start->Programs->Administrative Tools->Services
2. Scroll down and highlight “Messenger”
3. Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties.
4. Click the STOP button.
5. Select Disable in the Startup Type scroll bar
6. Click OK
Windows XP
1. Click Start->Control Panel
2. Click Performance and Maintenance
3. Click Administrative Tools
4. Double click Services
5. Scroll down and highlight “Messenger”
6. Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties.
7. Click the STOP button.
8. Select Disable in the Startup Type scroll bar
9. Click OK
