What is messenger service spam?  Well, if you ever get a window appear on your computer with the words "Messenger Service" in the top left corner like in the example below, then you're getting messenger spam.  This is extremely annoying as it can just pop up on your screen at any time without warning and as long as you are connected to the internet on Windows Xp and Windows 2000 you can receive these messages. 

The good news is that you can easily stop yourself from receiving these messages permanently in 5 minutes.  To do that, simply follow the instructions below.  You can also stop these messages by installing a firewall.  Go here for further information.

1. Click the start button, and click run.
2. In the little box that pops up, type "services.msc" (without the quotes).
3. In the window that opens, scroll down until you get to the line that says "messenger" under the name column and double click on the word "messenger".
4. If you've done that correctly, the window below should pop up.  Note: Make sure the window says "Messenger Properties" at the very top left like in the example below.

An example of the window where you disable the messenger service.

5.Now you need to click the stop button to stop the computer from receiving any more spam messages.  Finally, in the box labelled "Startup type" select "Disabled" to prevent the messenger service from starting up again the next time you turn your computer on.

6.  Congratulations.  Now you've disabled and stopped the messenger service you won't receive any more spam emails.   However, I still recommend you install a firewall, as the fact that you've been receiving these messages means your computer isn't secure.  Putting a firewall on is free and very easy to do.  Go here for more information.

Note -> If typing in "services.msc" in step 1 and 2 doesn't work for any reason, you can instead click "start", then "control panel" (on your computer you may need to click "settings" then "control panel"), then click "administrative tools", then "services".  You can then proceed from step 3 in the instructions above.
 

If you have any problems following these instructions, email me and I'll see if I can help you.  You can email me by clicking on the little envelope on the bottom right of this page.