Prevention:
By Raymond Garcia, Window Fix Zone.com

There are many companies on the Internet selling software for up to $25-$50 in which they claim will block Windows Messenger Popup Ads. Don't waste your money on their software all their doing is disable the Messenger service which isn't the best way to stop the messenger popup's. You can disable Messenger for free anyway. * Disable Messenger Service.

But, if you still want to us software to disable massager service here some: Messenger FREEdom: stop spam ads, turn this service off/on, freeware!

* Using a personal good firewall

Using a good personal firewall:
By Raymond Garcia, Window Fix Zone.com

Have you received one of these messages? if you have that means your system is most likely connected to the Internet with out firewall protection. Most computer users think that using a anti-virus software product is all they need to protect their system. Using a good anti-virus software to protect your system against infection is a good and necessary start but, anti-virus software will not stop or protect your system from attacks lunched through other services: e.g. Messenger, Microsoft Networking, etc. WinXpFix.com

You need to install a good personal firewall. There are many software companies that offer FREE basic personal firewall software, or you can buy one. A good free firewall is more than adequate for most PC users. Here are a few for you; Zone Alarm Free popular! - BartWare Personal Firewall is a freeware.

If have a shared single Internet connection as cable or DSL, You may want to consider buying a a DSL/cable router that includes firewall capabilities. There are many popular ones that are priced at only $50. USD or less.

* Disable Messenger Service

Disable Messenger Service:
By Raymond Garcia, Window Fix Zone.com

You don't need to disable Messenger Service if you have installed a firewall that will stop remote users from sending you Messenger popup ads. But, if you don't need it, then disable it.

If don't have a firewall installed or you plan not to install a firewall you can disable the Microsoft Messenger Service, But, this may leave you exposed to other security issues, so disabling Messenger is not recommended.

Some software applications anti-virus, UPS system, SQL job Scheduler, and others use Messenger alerts to notify you of a critical system events. Use a firewall/router to block the Messenger Pop-ups and leave Messenger service enabled if you are using such products. WinXpFix.com

Here are steps for disabling the Messenger service on Windows 2000 and XP systems:

Windows 2000:
* Click: Start/Settings/Control Panel
* Open: Administrative Tools
* Open: Services
* Open: 'Messenger' Service
* Click: Stop button
* Change 'Startup Type' to DISABLE
* Click OK to close everything
* WinXpFix.com

Windows XP:
* Right-click: 'My Computer' icon and select 'Manager' Or Start> Settings> Control Panel> Administrative Tools> Computer Management.
* Open: Services and Applications
* Open: Services
* Open: 'Messenger' Service
* Click: Stop button
* Change 'Startup Type' to DISABLE
* Click OK to close everything.
* WinXpFix.com