Re: Windows System Error: Spyware Detected

From: Bruce Chambers (bchambers_at_nospamcableone.net)
Date: 06/19/04 

Date: Fri, 18 Jun 2004 20:37:46 -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, Shoot the Messenger does, 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 your 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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": cHaSeR /" <\: cHaSeR /@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:A9DEDC9D-FFDE-4F1E-B73F-A278C81AD8E6@microsoft.com...
> just stop messenger service within services, this will eliminate all
popups and messenger service is not need for the average home/work
user.
>
> \: cHaSeR /
>
> "Scared_of_Spyware" wrote:
>
> > I do run them regularly.  I scan with my virus protector, along
with the two programs you mentioned.  I then scanned with my firewall,
and found cookies.  The pop-up looks an official microsoft xp pop-up.
It looks like the ones that say "fatal error."
> >
> > "Doug Kanter" wrote:
> >
> > > 1) Doesn't your browser have popup control?
> > >
> > > 2) Regardless of what you *think* Spybot and AdAware can't fix,
do you still
> > > run them regularly?
> > >
> > > "Scared_of_Spyware"
<Scared_of_Spyware@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> > > message
news:F5B30E54-7AB5-4DD1-9408-0EA42EC30835@microsoft.com...
> > > > In the past few days, I keep getting this pop-up that says,
"Windows
> > > System Error: Spyware has been detected on your Computer."  Then
it says
> > > "click ok" to download this spyware remover program.  Only, you
have to pay
> > > for it.  I know this is a bogus pop up, and adaware and spybot
can't fix
> > > this.  I tried looking for wierd programs and deleting them, but
it won't
> > > work.  Please help.
> > >
> > >
> > >

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