The Windows Messenger Service can be exploited by spammers and used to dish up unwelcome advertising on unsuspecting users. The service is also victim to a critical exploit that could allow malicious attackers to remotely run code on vulnerable systems. Disabling the service will prevent both the pop-ups and the exploit.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 5
Here's How:
- Depending on your operating system, either click Start | Control OR click Start | Settings | Control Panel
- Double-click Administrative Tools to open.
- Double-click Services to open.
- Double-click Messenger to open.
- In the Startup type list, click Disabled.
- Click Stop and then click OK.