How to turn off Windows Messenger Service

[Rennhack]

How to turn off Windows Messenger Service
This instruction does not address, nor is it intended to address, problems associated with services involved with Instant Messaging. We provide these directions as a public service and have no affiliation with any entity outside the University of Virginia which points to this page, including ISP's, vendors and other entities, specifically panicware.com and siliconcrack.com.
What Windows Messenger Service Allows to Happen on Your Computer


Should a pop up box appear on your screen with the words "Messenger Service" in the title bar, chances are that you have Windows Messenger Services enabled.  
 
In their initial state, Microsoft Windows operating systems (98, ME, XP, 2000, NT) allow anyone on the internet to pop up Windows on your screen. There is no need for them to know anything about your computer and your computer does not care who does it.
 
  
Even less savory individuals may pop up messages on your screen that try to fool you into taking actions that may not be in your best interest.
 
  
The important thing to remember is that anyone, anywhere in the world can pop up one of these messages on your computer. At this time it looks as though all these messages will have "Messenger Service" in the Window title. It would be wise to verify with support staff any such message that appears on your computer that instructs you to to take actions that may divulge sensitive information, change your password, leads you to a web site, or take other, unusual actions on your computer.

Also know that spam senders are using the Windows Message Service as another way to distribute their advertisements.

Keep in mind that faculty and staff are advised to check with their computer support staff before disabling any service so that you do not inadvertently disable a service that your department uses.  

Disabling the Messenger Service
To remove the ability for anyone in the world to pop up messages on your computer, you can disable the Messenger service. Its easy to reverse at a later time if you wish to do so.  
 
Windows 2000
Click Start-> Settings-> Control Panel-> Administrative Tools->Services
Scroll down and highlight "Messenger"
Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties.
Click the STOP button.
Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar
Click OK
 
  
Windows XP Home
Click Start->Settings ->Control Panel
Click Performance and Maintenance
Click Administrative Tools
Double click Services Scroll
down and highlight "Messenger"
Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties.
Click the STOP button.
Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar
Click OK
 
  
Windows XP Professional
Click Start->Settings ->Control Panel
Click Administrative Tools
Click Services
Double click Services Scroll
down and highlight "Messenger"
Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties.
Click the STOP button.
Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar
Click OK
 
  
Windows NT
Click Start ->Control Panel
Double Click Administrative Tools
Select Services-> Double-click on Messenger
In the Messenger Properties window, select Stop,
Then choose Disable as the Startup Type
Click OK
 
Windows 98 & ME
Windows Messenger Service cannot be disabled

[amyrobin]

Thanks Mike,

As usual Nukeworker is a great resource.  I had to reformat my hard drive and I had forgotten about messenger.  Now I should have less junk  

Amyrobin

[azkidd]

I appreciate it.  Hopefully, this will stop those annoying pop-ups.  I will let you know

[Rain Man]

I appreciate it.  Hopefully, this will stop those annoying pop-ups.  I will let you know

azkidd, Mike is correct on how to disable Windows Messaging.  Beware of one minor item.  This will only disable pop ups that come via Windows Messaging.  It will not stop pop ups that come via your browser as an embedded Java Script.  You will need to get a pop up blocker for that.  Your internet provider may have a program available to kill those.  If not check out a third party vendor for the software.  Earthlink's Pop Up Blocker has killed 99% of the pop ups on my system but you need to have Earthlink as your IP to use it.

[Rennhack]

azkidd, Mike is correct on how to disable Windows Messaging.  Beware of one minor item.  This will only disable pop ups that come via Windows Messaging.  It will not stop pop ups that come via your browser as an embedded Java Script.  You will need to get a pop up blocker for that.  Your internet provider may have a program available to kill those.  If not check out a third party vendor for the software.  Earthlink's Pop Up Blocker has killed 99% of the pop ups on my system but you need to have Earthlink as your IP to use it.

To eliminate other popup ads, I use the google tool bar. - It's free - http://toolbar.google.com It not only blocks pop ups, it's the best search engine in the world.

[Gball]

Many Thanks. Tried it and liked it!
 

[jkelly01]

good tip.....
thanks John
www.uthos.com