Computer Problems - Can Any1 Help

[snoopy1239]

Hey all

We've just moved into the Orleans and I've now got the wifi on the go.

However, this annoying pop up keeps, well... popping up.

This is what it says:

Messenger Service

Message from FROM to TO on 23/07/2006 19.22:58

STOP! WINDOWS REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION

Windows has found 55 Critical System Errors

To fix the errors please do the following:

yada yada yada

FAILURE TO ACT NOW MAY LEAD TO SYSTEM FAILURE!

I only reinstalled windows a few weeks ago, and, from what I recall, I don't think I've once downloaded anything off the Internet.

Plus, I've been using the Internet at the Rio all week and had no problems. Only when I signed on here at the Orleons todays did it suddenly appear.

Any one got any ideas? At the moment, I'm just killing these pop-ups, but they're annoying.

I've also done an adaware scan. Erm, it didn't seem to find those 55 critical errors.

thx in advance for any help?

[Robert HM]

I once had a reason to turn of java in the options bit and that stopped pop ups, it was a while ago so cant remember the full process that that may assist. Google task bar can also block pop ups. As to the root cause, I am at a loss to understand if you haven't been surfing around on the laptop. Not sure if that helps too much but I hope it gives you a start.

[I, Zimbra]

I have never received 'Messenger Service' popups since I added Service Packs 1 and 2 to XP.

[I, Zimbra]

I only reinstalled windows a few weeks ago, and, from what I recall, I don't think I've once downloaded anything off the Internet.

Have you reinstalled Service Packs 1 and 2 as well? (I think they're cumulative so you might only have to reinstall the most recent one)

[mikkyT]

"Messenger service" messages is an exploit in the windows OS - better install the windows critical updates by doing a windowsupdate snoops

[mikkyT]

Check out here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/learnmore/stopspam.mspx

BTW your laptop is unsecured... get a firewall installed! Preferably not the one in windows SP2 but SP2 is better than none at all

[snoopy1239]

It tells me to go to winregistrycleaner.com and download the software

It says if i do this, the pop-up will stop, which is all i want cos my computer is running fine otherwise

should i do this?

thx for help

[mikkyT]

DO NOT DO THAT

Kill off messenger service by following the instructions on the microsoft website (this is not windows messenger or msn, but its a network tool that allows users on a network to communicate, typically system admins to send users messages).

This is a scam used by nasty people who want you to pay money for them to infest your machine with a "spyware cleaner", effectively they spam u, an u install their tool that spams you more and ruins your machine until you pay up to get it cleaned by them,

[snoopy1239]

DO NOT DO THAT

Kill off messenger service by following the instructions on the microsoft website.

This is a scam used by nasty people who want you to pay money for them to infest your machine with a "spyware cleaner", effectively they spam u, an u install their tool that spams you more and ruins your machine until you pay up to get it cleaned by them,

yes, that's what I thought

sry, didn't see your post above mine

You should enable the Internet Connection Firewall and disable the Messenger Service in Windows XP to help protect your computer from unwanted spam and other potential threats.

I have done the second part of this, how do i do the first, Or do I need to go find a firewall off the internet to install?

mikkyt, what a star!

if u ever need any help on er... well, I have no skills - sry

[LukieD]

I prefer ZoneAlarm which is free. Available from http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/trial_zaFamily/trial_zaFamily.jsp?lid=home_freedownloads

Alternatively you can use the windows firewall.

To configure Internet Connection Firewall manually in Windows XP or Windows XP SP1:
1.   Click Start, click Run, type control.exe netconnections, and then click OK.
2.   Right-click the connection on which you would like to enable the firewall for, and then click Properties.
3.   On the Advanced tab, click the box to select the option to Protect my computer or network.
4.   If you want to enable the use of some applications and services through the firewall, you must enable them. To do this, click Settings, and then click to select the  programs, protocols, and services that you want to enable for the firewall configuration.

[Jon MW]

I had the exact same message on the computers at work a few months ago (different number of problems it claimed to find).

What was amusing was that we had just replaced all the computers that morning, so it was claiming to find these errors on a literally brand new computer! 

[LukieD]

Theyre just like popup adverts that say you have errors...theyre just messages sent from advertisers to try and entice you into parting with your hard earned money to "fix" your computer

[Bongo]

Nothing to worry about snoops - all it shows is you don't have a firewall on you laptop so get one on ASAP.
The messages are actually a feature of windows that is being abused for advertising.
The Internet connection at the Rio was probably firewalled and so that is why you didn't get anything there.

Also make sure all your windows updates etc are up to date as without them you have a much higher risk of being infected with something nasty.

[snoopy1239]

I do have a firewall, I somehow managed to turn it off without realising

thx for the advice

on the updating thing, last time I did that, it said there was not enough storage space to complete, gave me an error sign saying that my computer might not work because the installations were stopped half way through, and then buggered my computer forcing me to reinstall windows.

I've been somewhat hesitant since.

[Bongo]

Make sure you have plenty of diskspace then!

The problem is without the updates you're running a huge risk. (damned if you do and damned if you don't really...)