How to Get Rid of Messenger Service Spam

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You probably use your computer's messenger service to chat with friends or connect with coworkers. Administrators frequently use Windows Messenger service to dispatch system messages. Unfortunately, spammers like to use the Messenger service, too, sending annoying messages, phishing for your personal information or trying to get you to click on a link that connects you to a web page loaded with spyware or viruses. Change Windows settings to stop Messenger service spam from bothering your or damaging your system.

Instructions

1. 

   Open the "Control Panel." Make sure the window is set to "Classic View," and double-click on "Administrative Tools."

2. 

   Double-click "Services" in the main window of the "Administrative Tools" box. "Services" will open as a separate window.

3. 

   Click the "Name" heading if the services are not in alphabetical order. Find "Messenger" in the list of services by scrolling down.

4. 

   Right-click "Messenger." Select "Properties" from the right click menu. The "Properties" dialog box will open.

5. 

   Click the "Stop" button. In the "Startup Type" drop-down menu, select "Manual." Click "OK" to close the dialog box.

Tips & Warnings

• These settings will not affect your ability to send or receive instant messages from people you know on messaging programs such as Yahoo Messenger or MSN Live Messenger.

• If your system administrator uses the built-in Messenger service on your computer to send system-wide messages, you will no longer be able to receive them once these adjustments are made.