How to turn off Windows Messenger Service

What Windows Messenger Service Allows to Happen on Your Computer

Should a pop up box appear on your screen with the words "Messenger Service" in the title bar such as the one on the left, you almost certainly have Windows Messenger Services enabled on your computer. It may be that you have just bought a new computer, in which case you probably want to know how to prevent these pop ups, read on...

In their initial state, Microsoft Windows operating systems (98, ME, XP, 2000, NT) allow anyone on the internet to pop up Windows on your screen. There is no need for them to know anything about your computer and your computer does not care who does it.

Spammers use the Windows Messenger Services to pop up messages on your screen to try to fool you into buying their 'services' or to divulge sensitive information e.g. bank details!

The important thing to remember is that anyone, anywhere in the world can pop up one of these messages on your computer. At this time it looks as though all these messages will have "Messenger Service" in the Window title.

If your computer is within a company or organisation check with your support staff if you are getting windows messenger pop ups. Your support staff may require windows message to be enabled - follow their advice.

Otherwise - if you want to disable with windows messenger service following the steps below.

Disabling the Messenger Service

To remove the ability for anyone in the world to pop up messages on your computer, you can disable the Messenger service. Its easy to reverse at a later time if you wish to do so. Follow the steps below for your computer operating system.

Windows 2000

1. Click Start-> Settings-> Control Panel-> Administrative Tools->Services
2. Scroll down and highlight "Messenger"
3. Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties.
4. Click the STOP button.
5. Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar
6. Click OK

Windows XP Home

1. Click Start->Settings ->Control Panel
2. Click Performance and Maintenance
3. Click Administrative Tools
4. Double click Services Scroll
5. down and highlight "Messenger"
6. Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties.
7. Click the STOP button.
8. Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar
9. Click OK

Windows XP Professional

1. Click Start->Settings ->Control Panel
2. Click Administrative Tools
3. Click Services
4. Double click Services
5. Scroll down and highlight "Messenger"
6. Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties.
7. Click the STOP button.
8. Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar
9. Click OK

Windows NT

1. Click Start ->Control Panel
2. Double Click Administrative Tools
3. Select Services-> Double-click on Messenger
4. In the Messenger Properties window, select Stop,
5. Then choose Disable as the Startup Type
6. Click OK

Windows 98 & ME

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