| Tutorials How
do I disable popup messages delivered by the
Windows Messenger Service?
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.
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