Windows XP spam popups can be eliminated

Written by Nathan Thomas on April 28, 2004

Windows XP is being installed as the operating system on more and more PCs nationwide, including among a la mode customers. One of the first things your indefatigable newsletter editor noticed when he switched was that via his always-on Internet connection, he was suddenly very popular with somebody named "Messenger Service."

"Messenger Service" popup windows - not browser window popup ads, those are different - hawk hot stocks, male enhancement, gambling sites and the like. And the most popular product they try to sell you: a way to eliminate XP spam popups!

If this is happening to you, you know it (for one thing, you've come to dread the high-pitched, dull "thud" sound that accompanies a new popup). You may also have had a hard time finding instructions on how to eliminate them. If so, aren't you glad you're an a la mode e-newsletter reader? Because here is what you do:

  1. Click: Start > Control Panel > Settings > Performance and Maintenance
  2. Choose Administrative Tools
  3. Choose Services
  4. Scroll down through the list of "services," highlight "Messenger"
  5. Right click while highlighted and choose Properties
  6. Click STOP in the middle
  7. Select Disabled or Manual in Startup Type scrollbar also in the middle
  8. Click OK, and you're spam-free!