|
Windows Messenger Service is a
utility that allows network administrators to contact
their network’s users instantly. Unfortunately,
unscrupulous internet advertisers take advantage of this
tool to deliver spam right to your computer’s screen.
There are a number of ways to fix
this, but most of these involve setting up firewalls or
other technical processes. If your computer is not on a
company network, the easiest way to prevent the
appearance of popup messages is simply disabling Windows
Messenger Service. To do this, follow these steps:
If you are using Windows XP or
Windows 2000:
1. Click the “Start” button.
2. Click “Control Panel.” The
“Control Panel” window opens.
3. Find “Administrative Tools”
in the list of programs in the right panel and
double-click it. You may have to scroll down to see
it. When you double-click the “Administrative Tools”
icon, a new list of programs appears in the right
panel.
4. Find “Services” in the list of
programs in the right panel and double-click it. Again,
you may have to scroll down to see it. When you
double-click the “Services” icon, the “Services” window
opens.
5. The panel on the right of the
“Services” window lists lots of programs. Scroll down
to find “Messenger,” and double-click its icon. When
you double-click the “Messenger” icon, the “Messenger
Properties (Local Computer)” window opens.
The “Messenger Properties (Local
Computer)” window set to disable popups
6.
The “Startup type” drop down list is located near the
middle of this window. Select “Disabled” from the
list. This prevents the Windows Messenger Service from
starting when you turn on your computer.
7. Just below the drop down list
are four buttons. Click the “Stop” button to stop the
Windows Messenger Service that is currently running. If
the “Stop” button is already disabled, the service is
not currently running and there is no need to click the
button again.
8. Click the “OK” button at the
bottom of the window. The Windows Messenger Service is
now disabled and will not restart unless you return to
this screen and restart it. You may also close the
other windows that you opened during this process.
If you are running Windows ME or
Windows 98 and the Windows Messenger program is
installed on your computer:
1. Click the “Start” button.
2. Point to “Programs.” After a
brief pause, a list of programs appears.
3. Find “Windows Messenger” in the
list of programs and click it. The Windows Messenger
program starts.
4. Click “Tools” on the menu bar at
the top of the “Windows Messenger” window. The “Tools”
menu appears.
5. Click “Options…” at the bottom
of the “Tools” menu. The “Options” window appears.
The Windows Messenger “Options”
window
6.
Click the “Preferences” tab at the top of the “Options”
window. The window displays the “Preferences” sheet.
7. Uncheck the “Run this program
when Windows starts” check box at the top of the sheet.
8. Click the “OK” button at the
bottom of the “Options” window. The window closes and
your settings are saved.
9. Close the “Windows Messenger”
window.
10. Restart your computer. When your
computer comes back up, Windows Messenger will not be
running, and spammers cannot use it to make popups
appear on your screen.
If your computer is on a company
network, you should check with your system administrator
before disabling Windows Messenger Service.
Back To FAQ and Tutorials
|
