Re: Messenger Service

Tech Tip: Click here to run a free scan for Windows Errors and optimize PC performance

From: Bruce Chambers (bchambers_at_nospamcableone.net)
Date: 05/13/04


Date: Wed, 12 May 2004 20:27:02 -0600

Greetings --

    I realize that you're trying to help, and that such an intent is
commendable, but please don't post 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 and the W32.Sasser.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."

    An absolutely essential step towards securing 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 not always sufficient.

Bruce Chambers

--
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You can have peace.  Or you can have freedom.  Don't ever count on 
having both at once. -- RAH
"Sarah" <sarahmeREMOVE@nozirev.INVALID> wrote in message 
news:FFvoc.121133$G_.117611@nwrddc02.gnilink.net...
>
> "Mike" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:c42201c43859$b244bab0$a301280a@phx.gbl...
>> I have installed XP Prof on my home machine and I keep on
>> getting these Messenger Service pop ups. How do I get rid
>> of these?
>>
>> Please help.
>
> right click my computer, properties, MANAGE
>
> select services,
> "stop" messenger from running,  then right click on it, properties, 
> DISABLE,
> apply, ok,  you're done
>
> 


Relevant Pages

  • Re: Popups ?
    ... but please don't post potentially harmful advice. ... symptoms" approach to computer security that still leaves the PC ... is to install and *properly* configure a firewall; ... > messenger turn off is in services in xp and choose disable. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: microsoft meeanger service
    ... but please don't post potentially harmful advice. ... sand" approach to computer security that leaves the PC vulnerable to ... is to install and *properly* ... > you should now be free of those messenger pop-ups. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Messenger Service Pop Ups
    ... but please don't post potentially harmful advice. ... "head in the sand" approach to computer security that leaves the PC ... is to install and *properly* ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: Messenger Service Pop Ups
    ... but please don't post potentially harmful advice. ... "head in the sand" approach to computer security that leaves the PC ... is to install and *properly* ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: Pop up from Messenger Service
    ... but please don't post potentially harmful advice. ... approach to computer security that leaves the PC vulnerable to threats ... excruciating pain whenever you try to reach over your head, ... is to install and *properly* configure a firewall; ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)