Easily stop messenger spam pop-ups from appearing on your computer with a small free utility: Messenger Spam Block.

Messenger Spam pop-ups can be an annoying distraction to your work. It is, however, extremely easy to defend your computer against the unwanted pop-up windows caused by the exploit of the Windows system service, Messenger.

Messenger Spam Block allows temporarily deactivating or permanently disabling the Messenger service, protecting you from annoying Messenger pop-up windows.

1. You can the disable the Messenger service

• In Windows XP, click Start > Control Panel
• In Windows 2000, click Start > Settings > Control Panel
• In either version, double-click Administrative Tools
• Double-click Services > Messenger
• In the Messenger Properties window, under Service Status, click Stop
• In Startup Type, select Disabled
• Click Apply > OK
• Close the windows

2. You can enable the Windows XP firewall

• Click Start > Control Panel
• Double click Network Connections
• Right-click the connection you want to protect
• Click Properties
• Select the Advanced tab
• Check the box under Internet Connection Firewall
• Click OK
• Close open windows

• Stopping Advertisements with Messenger Service Titles in Windows XP
  
• Stopping Advertisements with Messenger Service Titles in Windows 2000
• Messenger Service Window that Contains an Internet Advertisement - Microsoft Knowledge Base
• How to stop spammers and their sneaky ads by Kim Komando
• Sneaky New Form of Online Ads Pops Up - PCWorld

Messenger Service
Message from source to your_computer_name.ISP_name on date time
Message Text

These messages are also called "Messenger Spam".

However, these messages are not related to Windows Messenger, MSN Messenger or such instant messaging services. Disabling your instant messaging services will not stop this form of advertisement.

These advertisements are sent via the Messenger Service, which is designed for use by system administrators in Windows server-client networks. System administrators use the messenger service to send messages that notify you of conditions on or give status about your network. However, some advertisers have started using this service to send their information via the Internet.

Using this very same feature, the spammer can send a command to your computer that will invoke the very same pop-up alert.

You will see a pop-up advertisement if you are sent a net send message by someone who is using the Messenger service in Windows. The Messenger service is a Windows service that transmits net send messages and messages that are sent through the Alerter service between client computers and servers. The Messenger service is not related to your Web browser, e-mail program, Windows Messenger, or MSN Messenger. You will only receive the pop-up advertisement if the following conditions exist:

• The Messenger service is started
• The Remote Procedure Call service is started
• Inbound NetBIOS (NetBIOS over TCP/IP) and UDP broadcast traffic is turned on for your Internet connection

net send localhost "Block Messenger Spam forever!"

The command should be entered in the command line; alternatively, you can push the Start button and select Run, then entering the above command into the edit box.

Several companies have figured out a way to ship unsolicited ads in bulk to people through Windows Messenger Service. The new spam technique is the latest attempt to bypass increasingly sophisticated e-mail spam filters and ad-blocking programs. Those selling the software that identifies open ports and enables pop-up transmissions claim that their products are not spam promoters or a security threat when used for their intended purpose.

He resells software that is able to message broadcasts to a specific user, group, domain, or ip using the built in net send command of the windows NToperating system.

Codori says the software he sells is intended for system administrators to broadcast messages over a LAN, and for group communication. Someone who uses the software for marketing should rethink their strategy and try optin email marketing to reach their target audience. [www.brainenterprises.com]

This claim is hard to believe, however, as the following statements appear directly on these companies' Web sites: "Send your advertising message to millions of people instantly! Target your advertisement geographically! Advertising message on someone's screen, the second you send it!", or "Instant messages!! Instant leads!! A New Marketing Revolution! Send your advertising message to millions of people instantly! Target your advertising geographically! By City, State or Country! Your Advertising message appears on your prospects screen, the second you send it!"

Another firm that sells a software tool that advertisers can use to send Windows Messenger Service pop-ups is "Broadcast Advertiser". Marketing material on its Web site boasts the software can "send your advertising message to millions of people instantly!" An employee who asked not to be identified said most of its customers were companies that maintain - and advertise - adult-content Web sites and 900 numbers.