Windows XP spam popups can be eliminated
Written by a la mode 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:
- Click: Start > Control Panel > Settings > Performance and Maintenance
- Choose Administrative Tools
- Choose Services
- Scroll down through the list of "services," highlight "Messenger"
- Right click while highlighted and choose Properties
- Click STOP in the middle
- Select Disabled or Manual in Startup Type scrollbar also in the middle
- Click OK, and you're spam-free!