Can someone please help me with a virus

[thespicymartini]

I think I have a virus in my pc. This in on my computer at work that is on a network with a firewall. Anyways I get all this pop-up spam ads on my desktop with out even having my browser open. The network does run a cable internet connection to all pcs, so the internet connection is aways open. I have scaned my pc with Norton and it says I am virus free, I have deleted any unknown .exe programs that might have the infection. But I still get this darn pop-ads, it is very annoying and unproductive for me at work to close ten pop-up ads every 10 minutes. Is this a virus? One of the pop-up ads had this address http://www.top-banners.com/dbgo/fram...hp&up=0&full=3
Please help thanks

[theocpcguru]

I think that what you are describing are console messages sent to you through messenger service. If you are running XP or 2k, messenger service is automatically enabled and running. To disable it, right click on my computer and click manager.
On the left pane (treeview) select services and applications, then Services. On the right pane (listview) choose Messenger. Double click on it. For the startup type, chose disabled. Then click the button for Stop. This will kill messenger service, and if i'm right, you will never see another one.

[paul9]

or a very small download from http://grc.com called shoot the messenger will also close the windows spam messenger for you.

[OuTpaTienT]

Easiest way to most likely fix this is to download AdAware (possibly &/or similar apps) and run it.

It sounds to me not like a virus, but more like an Internet Explorer hitch that some sleezy pop-up vendor is taking advantage of. For example, I've seen pop-up widnows that shrink themselves or hide themselves or even place themself outside of the desktop's boundaries so you don't see them. Then that unseen window can periodically launch other pop-up windows all on it's own.

If this is the case you should be able to hit CTRL-ALT-DEL and look for any instances of IEXPLORER.EXE that are currently running. If you see'em, shut'em down.

I believe AdAware (free) will seek out and remove this type of pest.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong. Since I use Mozilla this kind of stuff just doesn't happen.

After following the above advice, you might also want to check your [Internet Explorer 5+] Tools > Internet Options > General - Settings > View Objects and review the installed objects.

Right click on any suspicious objects and check the CodeBase info.. the path should give you a clue.

If any bad / suspicious object, right click on the object and Remove.

How to Remove Windows Messenger on various Win OS's [since you didn't list which Win OS you're running].

[thespicymartini]

Hey thanks so much guys. You guys where right it was the Messenger Service that was being used as a spam generator. I am running Win 2000 so that is why that was happening, since that MS is set on a open default. Man Microsoft really needs to crack down on their securty flaws. Well thanks again you guys rock.

[theocpcguru]

it's not a security issue. it's a actually very useful feature. They are called console messages. They are sent many ways, including a LAN messanger that I wrote. The easiest way to send one is click Start - Run then hit OK

type in Net Send (computername) (message)
where (computername) is the netbios name and (message) is your message.

It sucks that they can be sent from outside your network, and by disabling messenger service, you kill the possiblity of being able to send them across your lan, but it's not a security problem.

[jake11]

I am having these same problems with numerous annoying pop-up adds. How do I turn off the messenger program in Windows 98? Can anyone help me with that??

Hi Jake.

The following info is from the link I posted above:

What about Windows 95 or Windows 98 IP Messaging?

Although the technology for this type of IP Messaging is available in Win95/98, it was in the form of a program called WinPopUp. It can be installed or uninstalled from Add/Remove Programs. In Windows 95, it is found in the Accessories section, while in Windows 98 it is installed through System Tools.

Although the version in Win95/98 and the version in Win2K/XP are not compatible with each other, they do offer an interesting way to communicate between computers (as long as its not abused). For more information on how to use WinPopUp or Windows Messenger to send and receive emails, you may want to visit the World of Windows Networking article on PopUp Messages.

[kkerr]

Can anyone tell me how to handle this with Windows ME?