Windows contains a service called "Windows Messenger" (nothing to do with
instant messaging) which is intended for relaying notices on LANs, and is
enabled by default.  Unless you're actually running a home network, you can
safely disable this service -- exactly how will depend on your Windows
version.
  However, it is a very bad idea to have the NetBIOS services which
Messenger relies upon reachable from the Internet!  So rather than hiding
the problem by disabling the service, I'd recommend that you install a good
firewall program (the free version of Zone Alarm is sufficient) to protect
your machine from the whole range of NetBIOS traffic arriving via the
Internet.

David Gillett


On 2 Jan 2004 at 6:26, Fran Bott wrote:

> Suddenly, just a few days ago, while on the Internet, I started to get these small windows popping up trying to coax me into going to another webpage. They are messinger windows - one tried to lead me to www.microsoftpatch.net (like I would really go) and various other places.It reminds  me of spyware, so I updated to the latest for SpyBot and ran it, but it found nothing. Seems like I have heard of this before. Anyone with any ideas?  This only happens while I am on the Internet - and it is very annoying.
>
> Win 2000 Pro
> Green Browser (IE based)
>
> Fran
>
>
> ---
> Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> Version: 6.0.557 / Virus Database: 349 - Release Date: 12/30/2003
>
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