Whats the deal with messenger service spam? 1

[gcw1]

Hi everyone,

I recently disabled the built in firewall that comes with xp pro and the next day I started getting messenger service spam... for now I've disabled the service, but I'd like to know if there's a way to kill the spam and keep the service running? Although I guess I really don't need it.

I disabled the fire wall inorder to be able to share files via windows messenger (different then above) with friends and co-workers.

If theres a way to have the firewall running and be able to send files that would be even better. I have a third party firewall, but uninstalled it since it caused more problems then it was worth.

Thanx

Glenn

 

[Marcs41]

You can transfer files with the FW enabled, but you will need to get in there to open some ports.
Then messenger help pages explain which ports, just search for ports.
What kind of Spam do you mean with : messenger service spam

 

[gcw1]

1-800 numbers for psyhic hotlines and other crap like that. At first I thought it was some sort of virus, then after some research I found this:

http://www.techtv.com/screensavers/answerstips/story/0,24330,3374542,00.html

 

[Marcs41]

Aha, ok, I know that one.
Well, you are in for some cleaning .. and, maybe disable the Windows messenger service, you don't normally need it.

 

[linney]

Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - Q308127
How to Manually Open Ports in Internet Connection Firewall in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q308127

Windows Messenger Help (online) will tell you which ports to open.



Ads via Messenger Service.

http://www.directadvertiser.com/

 

[jlevrier]

The pop-ups are using the messenger service and an open 135 port.
You can either install a firewall (highly recommended!) to block the port or disable the messenger service.
You can also enable xp's built-in firewall (which only blocks incoming traffic):

http://www.jmu.edu/computing/security/info/pfw.shtml#icf

(also read the rest of that page, very interesting)

To disable the messenger service without the need to install a firewall:Logon with an administrator account and then:
1.Click on the "Start" button.
2.Right-Click on "My Computer"
3.Choose "Manage" from the menu that appears.
4.In the left column Highlight "Services and
Applications"
5.In the right column Double-Click on "Services".
6.Double-Click on the service called "Messenger".
7.Click the "Stop" button to stop the service.
8.Change the "Startup Type:" to "Manual"
9.Click "Apply".
10.Click "OK".
11.Close "Computer Management"

Go here for more

http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,55795,00.html

The above is from pieter.janssens@onssrszlss.fgov.be

Jeanne

 

[Marcs41]

Would you not recommend :
Change the "Startup Type:" to "Disable" ?

If Manual, if 'something' needs the service, it WILL be started!

Just an extra precaution. The solution is out there.