How to turn off Windows Messenger service

Problem

Certain scum ... er, make that advertisers may use a sneaky way of popping ads up on your computer. Their method for doing this is called IP Advertising and uses Windows Messenger service. If you're plagued by these ads, here's one way to stop them.

Solution

In Windows XP:
(1) Select "Start"
(2) Choose "Control Panel"
(3) Choose "Administrative Tools"
(4) Choose "Services"
(5) Right-click on "Messenger"
(6) Select "Stop"
To permanently disable Messenger:
(7) Right click "Messenger"
(8) Select "Properties"
(9) Change "Startup Type" to "Disabled" and click "OK"

In Windows 2000:
(1) Select "Start"
(2) Choose "Programs"
(3) Choose "Administrative Tools"
(4) Choose "Services"
(5) Right-click "Messenger"
(6) Select "Properties"
(7) Click "Stop"
To permanently disable Messenger:
(8) Change "Startup Type" to "Disabled" and click "OK"

Problem

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