Re: I am getting strange error pop ups.
- From: Bruce Chambers <bchambers@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 14 Aug 2005 09:23:41 -0600
moushia wrote:
Because of a virus I had to restore my system, but since then I keep getting these pop up windows with "Message Error" or "Messenger Service" on the top and advising of various errors or registry corruption and they give me a link to go and download the fix. They do not look like the Windows applets. How do I find out if they are legit or bogus?
Many thanks,
You are the intended victim of a scam.
The so-called warnings are actually spam advertising from one or more of several very unscrupulous "businesses." They're trying to sell you patches that Microsoft provides free-of-charge, and using a very intrusive means of advertising. It's also demonstrating that your PC is very unsecured.
This type of spam has become quite common over the past couple of years, and unintentionally serves as a valid security "alert." It demonstrates that you haven't been taking sufficient precautions while connected to the Internet. Your data probably hasn't been compromised by these specific advertisements, but if you're open to this exploit, you most definitely open to other threats, such as the Blaster, Welchia, and Sasser Worms that still haunt the Internet. Install and use a decent, properly configured firewall. (Merely disabling the messenger service, as some people recommend, only hides the symptom, and does little or nothing to truly secure your machine.) And ignoring or just "putting up with" the security gap represented by these messages is particularly foolish.
Messenger Service of Windows http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;168893
Messenger Service Window That Contains an Internet Advertisement Appears http://support.microsoft.com/?id=330904
Stopping Advertisements with Messenger Service Titles http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/communicate/stopspam.asp
Blocking Ads, Parasites, and Hijackers with a Hosts File http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
Whichever firewall you decide upon, be sure to ensure UP ports 135, 137, and 138 and TCP ports 135, 139, and 445 are all blocked. You may also disable Inbound NetBIOS over TCP/IP). You'll have to follow the instructions from firewall's manufacturer for the specific steps.
You can test your firewall at:
Symantec Security Check http://security.symantec.com/ssc/vr_main.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=23&pkj=GPVHGBYNCJEIMXQKCDT
Security Scan - Sygate Online Services http://www.sygatetech.com/
Oh, and be especially wary of people who advise you to do nothing more than disable the messenger service. Disabling the messenger service, by itself, is a "head in the sand" approach to computer security. The real problem is not the messenger service pop-ups; they're actually providing a useful, if annoying, service by acting as a security alert. The true problem is the unsecured computer, and you've been advised to merely turn off the warnings. How is this helpful?
There are several essential components to computer security: a knowledgeable and pro-active user, a properly configured firewall, reliable and up-to-date antivirus software, and the prompt repair (via patches, hotfixes, or service packs) of any known vulnerabilities.
The weakest link in this "equation" is, of course, the computer user. No software manufacturer can -- nor should they be expected to -- protect the computer user from him/herself. All too many people have bought into the various PC/software manufacturers marketing claims of easy computing. They believe that their computer should be no harder to use than a toaster oven; they have neither the inclination or desire to learn how to safely use their computer. All too few people keep their antivirus software current, install patches in a timely manner, or stop to really think about that cutesy link they're about to click.
Firewalls and anti-virus applications, which should always be used and should always be running, are important components of "safe hex," but they cannot, and should not be expected to, protect the computer user from him/herself. Ultimately, it is incumbent upon each and every computer user to learn how to secure his/her own computer.
To learn more about practicing "safe hex," start with these links:
Protect Your PC http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp
Home Computer Security http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/
List of Antivirus Software Vendors http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;49500
Home PC Firewall Guide http://www.firewallguide.com/
Scumware.com http://www.scumware.com/
--
Bruce Chambers
Help us help you: http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having both at once. - RAH
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