Instructions on how to disable window messenger pop up ads!

I saw this on my homepage of my provider thought I would share this info with everyone.

Pop up spammers are exploiting a feature of the Microsoft Windows operating systems known as Messenger Service. Despite the name, Windows Messenger Service doesn't have anything to do with instant messaging. It is designed to provide users on a local- or wide-area computer network with messages from the network administrator. For example, a company's network administrator might send a message to all its users that the company's network will be shutting down in five minutes. If your home computer is connected only to the Internet, you may not have any practical uses for Windows Messenger Service. If your computer is on a business or home network, however, shutting off Messenger Service might not be the best approach. Your network should be protected by a firewall.

Disabling the messenger service will prevent the possibility of pop up spam. To disable the messenger service:

Click Start, and then click Control Panel (or point to Settings, and then click Control Panel).


Double-click Administrative Tools. Double-click Services. Double-click Messenger.
In the Startup type list, click Disabled. Click Stop, and then click OK.

 

Good info but a couple of clarification points.

Messenger Service is not the only possible source of pop-up ads. It is one that a standard pop-up blocker cannot deal with though so good to set it to stop them.

Messenger Service has nothing to do with the Windows Messenger IM (instant messaging / chat) thing. Nothing done to one will affect the other in the slightest.

If anyone has a need for messenger service at times but wants to stop annoyances from it most of them time AND they don't like to have to go into services each time to turn the service on or off, the free utility Shoot The Messenger is a quick way to toggle from running to not running to running.

 

I like the name of that program LMAO! Its sounds good if you use win. messenger.
Question though... I did what this said ya know turned it off under admin tools and i havent got any of them windows messenger "like" pop ups anymore. Havent in a year since "stopping" the service.Actually its set to manual but I still dont get them. (I dont use windows messenging enough to have it turned to automatic.) So if they arent related why did mine stop after I turned off my service. Thats weird. Wonder why? Do you know?
Respectfully curious
imclueless

 

I think we are probably talking about the same messenger service and turning it off will certainly stop any pop-up adverts that want to use it. Mine at home is off but this screen shot is from work where we use the thing - but have our firewall set so that it cannot be started from outside so no advertising gets in.

 

yup thats it thanks

 

I really like this Service Controller based on Black Viper's XP recommendations.

Johanna