KB 249

How to stop Messenger spam on XP and 2k

Article:249
Created:2003-09-12 10:40:32
Categories:
  Windows 2000
  Windows XP

Question or Symptom

For us Windows XP and 2000 users there's nothing quite as annoying as working in a document, surfing the web or playing a game and having one of those annoying messenger pop up adds pop up on your screen. Usually trying to get you to buy software to stop this exact thing from happening. Well here's a way to stop them with out giving some evil little gnomes your hard earn dollars.

Resolution

OK now to the fun part. To stop these adds from popping up is a pretty simple process. First and foremost you must be logged into XP or 2K as administrator or in an admin account.

Once you are, go to start, settings, control panel.

  (start control panel for those running the "new" look in XP")

then look for Administrative tools.

If you are running XP pro or home and you have it set to category view you'll find it under Performance and maintenence.

  Once in Admin tools look for an icon called services.  
  Double click on services and you are going to get a fairly large list.  
  Look for messenger.  
  Once located double click on it.  
  On the general tab you'll see a drop down box titled Startup Type.  
     (Odds are it will be set to automatic).  
  Click on the little drop down arrow and set it to disabled.  
  Also if the service is running you'll need to hit the stop button just 
   below the startup type box. It may take it a minute to stop the service
   so don't worry if it seems to take forever.  
  Once it has it stopped click apply and ok.  
 
  And if Windows plays nice and leaves that service off you won't get anymore
  of those annoying little adds.