W2k Messenger Service

I finally got my W2k completely updated with all the security changes from Windows Update. I did this because I got a little nudge this morning, some kind of virus that Norton could not detect or stop that prevented me from seeing the texct of emails and blocked me from opening Word docs (they were in use by another user).

But now I have started receiving messages, spam, in gray boxes with the title Messenger Service at the top.

Can I turn off these messages anywhere in W2k? Or are they perhaps just a new kind of popup? I never use any kind of instant messaging, I have heard they are not secure.

Tom In Dallas

 

Hi, Tom ~

Yes, you can turn off this service, which, for the record, has absolutely nothing to do with Windows Messenger/MSN Messenger instant messaging programs.

Go to your Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Administrative Tools > Services.

Scroll down to 'Messenger Service', double-click it, stop the service, select disable, then Apply > OK.

You may also block the ports 135, 137-139, and 445 in your firewall.

 

Thanks,

Actually the order was control panel / admin tools / component services / messenger / stop button.

I stopped the virus by re-imaging.

Tom In Dallas

 

Hi, Tom ~

Sorry about the order - I used an XP machine as reference since no Win2K units here.

Please note what you were experiencing is not a virus and re-imaging will have no effect and you will see them again. You need to either disable the service or block the respective ports.