How do I stop Messenger Service pop-up windows?

By default, several Microsoft Operating Systems allow anyone on the internet to send message windows (see example below) directly to your computer screen.

To stop these "pop-ups", follow the instructions for your Operating System outlined below.

Windows 2000

1. Click Start, go up to Settings and click Control Panel. When the Control Panel opens, double click Administrative Tools and then double click Services
2. Scroll down and highlight Messenger
3. Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties.
4. Click the STOP button.
5. Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar
6. Click OK

Windows XP Home

1. Click Start, go up to Settings and click Control Panel
2. Click Performance and Maintenance
3. Click Administrative Tools
4. Double click Services
5. Scroll down and highlight Messenger
6. Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties.
7. Click the STOP button.
8. Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar
9. Click OK

Windows XP Professional

1. Click Start, go up to Settings and click Control Panel
2. Click Administrative Tools
3. Click Services
4. Double click Services
5. Scroll down and highlight Messenger
6. Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties.
7. Click the STOP button.
8. Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar
9. Click OK

Windows NT

1. Click Start and then Control Panel
2. Double Click Administrative Tools
3. Select Services-> Double-click on Messenger
4. In the Messenger Properties window, select Stop
5. Then choose Disable as the Startup Type
6. Click OK