Disable Windows Messenger Service

SPAM comes in many forms. Not only does it invade your inbox, but if you run Windows NT, 2000, or XP then it can come also as annoying pop-ups via the Windows Messenger service. This article shows you how to disable the Windows Messenger service. On a private network the Windows Messenger service can be quite handy, however, on the internet it is ripe for abuse. All it takes is the command NET SEND (IP Address or NetBIOS name) and you have sent a message. Spammers just make an automated program that scans for IP addresses with the messenger port open and send away.

In order to curb the flow of irritating messages to you you need to disable the service. Don't worry, this will do nothing to your instant messaging, they are completely separate. Click Start->Run and type services.msc . Click OK and then this should appear:

Double click on the Messenger item and change its startup type to disabled.

Disable Windows Messenger Service

Click Apply, OK and then you're done. The Windows Messenger Service will no longer load on Windows startup and you will no longer get the annoying Messenger pop-ups.