Microsoft, in their ignorance of computer security, likes to leave "back doors" to your computer open. But they finally wised up and Windows XP Service Pack 2 turns off Messenger Service. If you are running Windows XP, your best bet would be to install Service Pack 2 to turn off Messenger Service and close several other security holes.

If you are running Windows 2000, you can turn off Messenger Service manually. Select "Run..." in Start menu and in "Open:" text box type services.msc, then click on "OK" button. In "Services" window that appears, right-click on "Messenger". In "Properties" dialog box that appears, click on "Stop" button and then in "Startup Type" drop-down list select "Disabled". Then click on "OK" button.

If you are running Windows NT, select "Services" in "Adminstrative Tools" utility. Then disable Messenger Service as described above. If you are running Windows 95/98/Me, you can't disable Messenger Service, you need to remove it. Use "Add/Remove Programs" utility in Control Panel to view details of "System Tools". Uncheck box next to "WinPopUp".

Now, with Messenger Service on your computer disabled or removed, spammers will have to go back to annoying you old fashion way - with spam email.

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