Faked messages from microsoft

[flaninacupboard]

While logged into messenger i keep getting pop up messages similar to this one. looks suspect to me, anyone else had them?

[808smokey]

the bottom of the image says it all

www.patchwindows.org

not microsoft at all. Don't download anything from there

If ther is a problem windows update page would have it listed

[redwudz]

SPAM. They are trying to sell you a 'IP Blocker' for only $19.95. I mean it could be legitimate, but I really doubt it. I wonder if MS knows about this. They might be interested.

[ViRaL1]

Messenger Service spam has been going around for quite some time. MS knows about it, but they don't have much to say other than either getting your system behind a firewall or turning off the messenger service.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;330904

[rallynavvie]

I thought everyone disabled Messenger as soon as they installed Windows. People actually use it?

[flaninacupboard]

Yep, i chat with a few people on it.

It started happening a few minutes ago after i forwarded ports for bit torrent......

[p_l]

Actually, to add to the confusion, Messenger Service and MSN/Windows Messenger are two completely different things.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/administration/communications/msgrspam.asp

[Faustus]

SP2 IIRC disabled messenger service as default.

[SIRCOOKS]

i always noticed this, and that i have something in my network connection properties...can anyone explain those

[devinemi83]

I dont get MS's logic for having it auto enabled in the first place. What was that convo like?

"Hey I have a great idea!"
"What?"
"Lets install a program that gives annoying popup windows when it gets a message"
"We did, its called Internet Explorer"
"NO! I mean in the OS itself, not the internet."
"Yeah, people will love that, and since our customers dont know whats good for them, we will have it enabled for them right out of the box!"
"Sweet!"

I see the valid use on corporate networks, but if a comps on one, likely its being maintained by a trained geek who would have no trouble enabling it his/herself. Why have it auto turn itself on? Did they not see the HUUUUUUGE potential for abuse?

A classic example of "Its not a bug, its a feature!". LOL