Block Instant Messaging Services on the network

[cooperchien]

Does anyone know how to block instant messaging services? I have a cheap netgear router for my network so I have block the ports of the instant messaging services. But it does not seem to work. Just wondering if any of you have had the experience about this problem. Thank you very much.

 

[zigcoors]

You can block MSN / windows messenger with Group policy. For other Messaging / chat clients you could add them to Policy to stop them running. Obviously I'm assuming your running an AD Domain.

 

[porkchopexpress]

Most IM clients resort to port 80 if they can't run on any other so they are difficult to stop. As zigcoors says banning the exe with group policy is the best way if you have Active Directory.

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/...n/Windows/2000/server/reskit/en-us/gp/206.asp

Alternativly you could try App Killer it's free.

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk/main.asp?content=appkiller

 

[cooperchien]

Thank you for your suggestions. However, my network has both Microsoft and Novell systems.
I have the control of the firewall. I see that IM can use port 80 to communicate so port blocking will not work.
I find that NetScreen firewall offers a feature to block MSN IM. Does that really work?
Thank you for your help.

 

[N0ktar]

Try IM Detector from IM Logic.

http://www.imlogic.com/products/im_detectorpro.asp