How to Block Pop-ups in Windows XP

by Nick Davis
Windows pop ups can be blocked.

Windows pop ups can be blocked.

internet image by Stephanie Bandmann from Fotolia.com

Pop-up windows, which are messages and advertisements sent in a dialog box or Internet browser window, are frustrating when you are using the Internet, and they can cause your computer to freeze. The pop-ups sent via Windows use the Messenger service built into the operating system. The Messenger service is an independent program that has nothing to do with your Internet browser. Advertisers use the Messenger service to send pop-up messages, called "Messenger spam." These pop ups can be blocked by disabling the Messenger service.

Step 1

Click "Start," "Control Panel."

Step 2

Double-click on "Administrative Tools." Double-click "Services." The Services application will open.

Step 3

Scroll down and locate "Messenger" in the right pane under the heading "Service (Local)." Double-click on "Messenger."

Step 4

Click on the down arrow on the box next to the wording "Startup type:."

Step 5

Click "Disabled."

Step 6

Click on "Stop" under the heading "Service Status:." The Service Status will now change to "Stopped."

Step 7

Click "Apply," and then "OK."

Tip

  • Once Messenger is disabled, the pop-ups windows will stop. If another application on your computer uses Messenger to transmit messages--a printer program or anti-virus application--you will not receive a message from that application.
  • You can also block pop-ups in Windows by installing an additional firewall and specifying in the firewall's settings to block inbound NetBIOS, UDP broadcast and RPC traffic.

About the Author

Nick Davis is a freelance writer specializing in technical, travel and entertainment articles. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Memphis and an associate degree in computer information systems from the State Technical Institute at Memphis. His work has appeared in "Elite Memphis" and "The Daily Helmsman" in Memphis, Tenn. He is currently living in Albuquerque, N.M.

Photo Credits

  • internet image by Stephanie Bandmann from Fotolia.com