The Windows Messenger Service can be exploited by spammers and used to dish up unwelcome advertising on unsuspecting users. The service is also victim to a critical exploit that could allow malicious attackers to remotely run code on vulnerable systems. Disabling the service will prevent both the pop-ups and the exploit. Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 5

Here's How:

1. Depending on your operating system, either click Start | Control OR click Start | Settings | Control Panel
2. Double-click Administrative Tools to open.
3. Double-click Services to open.
4. Double-click Messenger to open.
5. In the Startup type list, click Disabled.
6. Click Stop and then click OK.