To the computer kings

message keeps popping up when i'm on the internet, its only just started today

Header is : messenger service

from local system apparantly, saying registry damaged and corrupted, and to fix go to registrycleanerxp dot com and load and install

but at the end it sayd to visit it 'IMMEDIATELY!'

which makes me think it isnt so official after all

Am i right to be cautious?

(bearing in mind i have deleted a lot of stuff off the pc [including sound driver woops] as i am going to format and reinstall windows xp. However i have found out you cant format a disc you are using so i have been told by a friend to boot the pc with xp disc in and then press some F key and load from cd to reinstall windows)

thankingyou

Draper

[Stingo]

Christ on a bike!!! Get help quick!! Don't press any more buttons!! (or keys). someone sensible will be along in a mo...

It sounds like ransomware, you download the 'fix' tool for a problem they just made up and then want $49 for their services, you go away thinking you've had a lucky escape. Download adaware (free) and hopefully it will find and remove what's causing the message.

cheers arenalife, i used to have adaware on here, but after my criminal session of deleting and unistalling i got rid of it. Hope to get the pc sorted tomorrow, i got some drivermagician and saved my drivers on me laptop incase i do some damage.

They're more hastle than theyre worth at times

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by arenalife

It sounds like ransomware, you download the 'fix' tool for a problem they just made up and then want $49 for their services, you go away thinking you've had a lucky escape. Download adaware (free) and hopefully it will find and remove what's causing the message.

+ 1 but sometimes they are also phising scams and the phish your card details when you type them in to pay to download the software.

Deffo dont click that link.

Adware might not get rid of it, you might need something else, like spybot...

If you are planning on re-installing, just format and e-install. That will get rid of the problem!!

Or see my post about a laptop for sale!!

[BillyC]

Okay... if you're using Windows 2000 or XP, with a modem or broadband modem (not a router) and have no firewall in place, then it's likely that someone is exploiting the messenger service within Windows.

Right click My Computer, choose "Manage", and then navigate to the "Services" branch. You want to disable the Messenger service.

Sorry this is very vague, and it's only a suggestion - it might not be this, but it was rife about 2 or 3 years ago. Plus I'm using a Mac now, and don't have a PC right this second to give more concise directions.

HTH.

Install Zonealarm & disable the windows firewall, its carp!

Steve

click on...

start
run

in the box type

net stop messenger

hit ok...

end of messages like that...


to turn off messenger service compleatly and perminently...

start
control panel
administrative tools
services

find the messenger service in the list

right click on it and go to propertys.
there will be a drop down list with startup type. change it to disabled

hit apply then ok

job done..

oh and i would definatly run adaware or similar to make sure you havent got spy/malwared

Originally Posted by startrek.steve

Install Zonealarm & disable the windows firewall, its carp!

Steve

wot he said + spybot search and destroy