Weird Message While Online

I think someone is sending me these weird popups. I tried using a spyware program and an antivirus program but they keep popping up. I also reformated C: and reinstalled Win2000 twice. That did not cure it.

They say that my computer will crash if I do not go to this web site and install these programs. Looks like they are from Microsoft but I don't think so because when I go to the web site it says "for a small fee you can cure your computer from crashing ". I don't think Microsoft would do that. CAN ANY BODY HELP ?

Here are the messages:

Message from SYSTEM to USER on 4/16/2005 3:55:14 PM
Warning: Your computer may have critical errors in registry and file system.
These errors can lead to computer crashes, instability, slowness, and full system failure.
Immediate repair may be required
See help file at: www.ErrorFixer.com
To bring up help file, type www.ErrorFixer.com into your web browser or:
1. Press Windows "START" button in lower-left-hand corner of screen
2. Select "RUN" from menu
3. Type www.ErrorFixer.com into box then press "OK" button

_________________________________________________

Message from SECURITY MONITOR to WINDOWS USER on 4/16/05 4:03:29 PM
Important Notice From MSOFT
Buffer Overflow in messenger Service Causes Unexpected Computer Shutdown, Virus Infection and Remote Code Execution
Affected Software:
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation
Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
Microsoft Windows 2000
Microsoft Windows XP
Microsoft Windows Win98
Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Non Affected Software:
Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
Your system IS affected, download the patch from the address below!
FIRST TYPE THE URL BELOW INTO YOUR INTERNET BROWSER, THEN CLICK "˜OK’
www.UPGRADENOW.ORG
________________________________________________________

Message from WINDOWS to SYSERROR on 4/16/05 4:17:18 PM
ILLEGAL WINDOWS OPERATION
Your Microsoft Windows PC has been detected to contain many system errors. To prevent a system wide crash go to fixed-pc.com and download the Windows restoring software immediately. Again, to stop your computer from crashing go to:
www.fixed-pc.com

 

kckitchen--Those messages do not come from MS.
Upgradenow sends spam messages through Windows Messenger. The cure is to install a Firewall.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;330904
But I also suggest you follow the instructions here
http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=37074
since you may have other spyware on your PC.
P.S. There is lots of firewall software available. I use ZoneAlarmFree.
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp?lid=dbtopnav_za

 

Ouch a reformat and reinstall for a windows messenger pop up.

 

???

I don't understand what you mean. I reformated and reinstalled Windows 2000 twice and it still comes up with these messages.

 

Go to Start -> Settings-> Control Panel-> Administrative Tools-> Services

Find the service called "Windows Messenger ". Right click on it and choose "Stop" then double click the service and set it to disabled instead of automatic.

Problem solved.

 

Here is what to do in detail.

Be sure to have all Service Pack Updates!!!

Windows Messenger is an ap that has been exploited in windows. You can re-install win 2000 all day and it will just install right along with windows. You have to disable it.

Not to worry! Here are detailed instructions...

To disable Windows Messenger:

1) Click on the [Start] button to pop up the Windows Start Menu. Or just right-click (and release) on the "My Computer" icon on the desktop. Go to step 3).

2) Right-click (and release) on "My Computerâ€; a context menu should pop up.

3) Select the "Manage" command. A window entitled "Computer Management" should pop up.

4) In the left-hand pane, at the bottom, is a line that says "Services and Applications" with a plus sign to the left of it.

5) Click on the plus sign; it will change to a minus sign, and a sub-tree will open.

6) In the sub-tree, click on "Servicesâ€. A list of services will appear in the right-hand pane.

7) In the right-hand pane, the leftmost column is entitled "Nameâ€. Scroll down to find the service named "Messengerâ€.

8) Right-click (and release) on the "Messenger" service. A context menu will pop up.

9) Select the "Properties" command.

10) A Box entitled "Messenger Properties (Local Computer)" will pop up.

11) 2/3rds of the way down, there will be a button that says "Stopâ€. Click it to stop the service.

12) Above the Stop button is a pull down menu that says "Start Type: Automaticâ€. Click on the down-arrow to the right to pull down the menu, and change the startup type to "Disabledâ€.

Note: If the Startup type already says "Disabled" go to step 14)

13) Click the [OK] button.

14) Click on the [X] to close the Computer Management window.

 

It Worked

Thx everyone. Disabling Windows Messenger seemed to work. NO messages poped up yesterday and I stayed online for almost 2 hours. Again thx for your help.