Newer versions of Windows have a service called Windows Messaging that can be exploited by Spammers to send pop-up ads to your desktop. Usually, these pop-up ads look like a plain gray window displaying solicitations with an OK button at the bottom. To block these ads, follow the instructions below based on the operating system of your computer.

Windows NT

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

Windows 2000

1. Click Start-> Settings-> Control Panel-> Administrative Tools->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->Control Panel
2. Click Performance and Maintenance
3. Click Administrative Tools
4. Double click Services on left side of window
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->Control Panel
2. Click Administrative Tools
3. Click Services
4. Double click Services on left side of window
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