CompTips14

MASTERS ~ COMPUTER TIPS

Disable Windows Messenger
Submitted by Millie (SkyLabAstro) and Jan

Hi, I was infected by a Backdoor virus yesterday and had my whole system reinstalled, and today I keep getting a message when I am browsing with my IE. It told me to go to a site to download a window patch. Does anyboby know its true site or not? I attached the information here with my email.
Thanks.
Elaine

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To correct this situation, let me first explain that these types of messages will appear on any windows computer, as they are allowing hackers in on your computer while you are connected to the internet.

This hole is through the Windows Messenger, which is different from the MSN Messenger. Windows Messenger is usually involved with LAN connections for offices but because it is left on in personal computers, this hacker haven has been available. All because Microsoft has it's default set to be on.

So what you need to do is turn off the Windows Message Service. You are not infected with anything until you click on something, or go to some website that this type of message directs you to. It is very annoying to have these popup windows keep appearing all over your desktop, besides.

So, what this university in Virginia discovered, was the Microsoft solution to the problem . . . Turn off the Windows Messaging service, especially if you are not using that service in an office or on a LAN network. Here is the link to turn yours off, and they describe every Windows version too.
http://www.itc.virginia.edu/desktop/docs/messagepopup/

So not to worry, use common sense we've learned with viruses -- don't go to any website they suggest, don't click on unknown links. I went directly to Google and searched for Windows Messenger turn off for this link, and AOL also uses this same advice.

Good Luck,
Millie, aka SkyLabAstro

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Once this is turned off does
the icon for it still appear? Thanks for any info
Hugs, Barb

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Hi Barb,

Glad to help, as this bugged me for ages too, especially the Windows Messenger Icon always loading. The fact that Microsoft chose to make it's icon look just like the MSN Messenger, there is really no way to tell the difference between them.

There is a fix to disable the Windows Messenger or to have it removed completely. I had mine removed, at one time, but all the Windows Updates kept telling me to install it, that was annoying too. So I've just disabled mine.

Here is where you can get the simple macro to disable yours. This website of Doug's is the best because he is also a VIP tech link for Microsoft, and they refer to him in their Microsoft Technical Communities http://www.microsoft.com/communities/default.mspx

Here is Don's Website http://www.dougknox.com/ on his page, link on left margin, for XP Tips, on the end of the list is the fix for Windows Messenger. He also has tips for other Windows Versions.

I've used alot of his fixes and tips and they all work. Just follow his simple steps.

Have a good day,
Millie, aka SkyLabAstro

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