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Zapping PopUps and SpyWare
So you're surfing the 'net....well,
trying to surf the net, but you're web browser is bombarded with
annoying windows popping-up with advertisements for anti-aging pills,
used car loans, mortgage re-financing offers, and baldness remedies.
Virus software and firewalls won't stop these messages but there is a
way - of course. Before you go out and spend $20 or $30 on PopZilla,
SmartPop, or PopUpCop software, we'd like to suggest a free solution.
Advertising pop-ups exploit a service that automatically runs on your
computer called "messenger" which is typically used by network
administrators (in a group setting) to send popup messages to computer
users on the network. By disabling this service, using the steps below,
you can sometimes eliminate all pop-ups on your computer. To disable
the messenger service:
1. Click Start, Control Panel
2. Double-click "Administrative Tools".
3. Double-click "Services".
4. Find and double-click "Messenger" in
the list.
5. Change the Startup Type to "Disabled"
and then click "Stop".
6. Click OK and close all windows.
You should also go into your Control Panel
and see if you have "Windows Firewall" - distributed with Windows XP,
Service Pack 2 update. If so, open it, make sure it is "On" and then
click the "Exceptions" tab at the top. Make sure the "Windows
Messenger" box is NOT checked and click OK. Next, start surfing the net
and see if your pop-ups are gone. If you continue to received pop-up it
is most likely that your computer has become infected bySpyWare. To
learn all about SpyWare, including how to remove it from your computer,
checkout "Keyboard Korner" in next months issue.
Brian Wilson
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Copyright 2003 Visual Horizons Software, LLC
Last revised: February 5, 2003