Computer Hope

Software => Computer software => Topic started by: thecyberpixie on August 11, 2008, 12:13:03 PM

Title: Windows Live Messenger: unwanted pop ups from 'friends'
Post by: thecyberpixie on August 11, 2008, 12:13:03 PM

I'm running Windows XP Service Pack 2 and using the most recent version of Windows Live Messenger. A while ago I started receiving messages from a couple of friends with links to various sites, but the friends were listed as offline. The sites are usually competitions or similar. This wasn't such a huge problem until my friends started complaining that they keep getting similar messages from me- but I'm neither on line nor sending them. I've also occasionally got messages telling me I've signed in on another computer when I haven't, and 'click here to sign in again'.

I've set Messenger Options as only allowing people on my contact list to send me messages. I've been to Control Panel/Admin Tools/Services and disabled the additional messenger service. Neither of these things make a difference.

Today I emailed friends to explain and apologise, and ask them to tell me whenever they get these messages. I also changed my hotmail and messenger password- will that solve the problem now or is there something else I need to do (apart from remove Messenger)?

Thanks in advance!

Title: Re: Windows Live Messenger: unwanted pop ups from 'friends'
Post by: kpac on August 11, 2008, 12:39:32 PM

I think you may have a virus or some form of malware on your PC....

Read this:

http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,46313.0.html

Start a new topic in the computer virus and spyware board....

.... And post the logs as requested in the post.

Title: Re: Windows Live Messenger: unwanted pop ups from 'friends'
Post by: thecyberpixie on August 11, 2008, 01:13:17 PM

Ok thanks. I do run McAfee and Pest Patrol on my computer already- they're up to date and scans from them show nothing. I've done a disc clean up and CCleaner.
Should I still download these additional programmes and scan with them?

Title: Re: Windows Live Messenger: unwanted pop ups from 'friends'
Post by: kpac on August 11, 2008, 01:20:43 PM

Quote from: thecyberpixie on August 11, 2008, 01:13:17 PM

Should I still download these additional programmes and scan with them?

Definitely... Spybot S&D picks up things that my anti-virus doesn't pick up... And it's updated as well.
If you want to get your PC clean, I suggest you take my earlier advice.

A malware removal specialist will take over once you post in the virus and malware board.

Title: Re: Windows Live Messenger: unwanted pop ups from 'friends'
Post by: thecyberpixie on August 11, 2008, 01:31:11 PM

OK will do. Thanks for your help.

Title: Re: Windows Live Messenger: unwanted pop ups from 'friends'
Post by: kpac on August 11, 2008, 01:34:37 PM

Okay... Be sure to do exactly what the link I gave you tells you to do...

I hope it all goes well. ;)