The Messenger service was designed to allow computers to talk to each other across networks (technically speaking, it is there to transmit "net send" and Alerter service messages between clients and servers).
Recently this service has been employed by marketers for sending unsolicited advertisments (SPAM) over the Internet. These have been dubbed "WEBPOPUP" adverts because the senders use that particular user name. These messages are at best annoying and at worst can display offensive, indecent material.
In Windows NT-based operating systems (including Windows 2000 and Windows XP) the Messenger service is started automatically when Windows starts up.
Today, Windows XP is the entry level operating system for the home and SOHO PC and more and more home users are being targeted by the senders of advertising popups. Parents are rightly worried that as their children surf the Internet a popup might appear that displays unsuitable material.
You can switch off the Messenger service by changing the service configuration settings in the Windows Registry. But by doing so you risk doing irreparable damage to your computer.
Heavy Horse Messenger Utility gives you the means to ensure your family are protected from this new form of SPAM menace.
Because we at Heavy Horse feel passionately that the internet should be safe place for your family and that you the user should have control over your PC and not the marketers we are giving away the Messenger Utility absolutely free! You are also free to distribute the Messenger Utility to any PC user you think might benefit from using Messenger Utility.
The Messenger utility can be run automatically from the installation program. Alternatively, after installation Messenger Utility can be run from the Windows Start Menu by looking in the Program Files | Heavy Horse group. A shortcut to Messenger Utility is also added to your desktop that can be double-clicked to start the program.
If you are running a 9x version of Windows then an error message will be displayed and Messenger Utility will close (see Stopping WEBPOPUPs under Win9x).
The main dialog is divided into two sections...
1. The top of the dialog shows the status of the Message service; it can be running,
pending or stopped.
2. Two buttons are provided in the lower portion of the dialog. Pressing the button
Reconfigure to stop WEBPOPUPs will stop the Messenger service and
ensure that the Messenger service does not start up automatically when Windows starts up.
Pressing the Restore Default Settings button will restart the Messenger service
and ensure that the Messenger service is started automatically when Windows starts up.
To prevent unsolicited popups from appearing make sure the status indicator is red and the message "The Messenger service is stopped" is displayed. If not then press the button Reconfigure to stop WEBPOPUPs. NOTE: If you discover that certain applications now fail to work you will need to reverse the process. You can still block WEBPOPUPs by altering your firewall settings.
The Windows 9x operating system does not use services. Instead, Heavy Horse advise that you remove or disable the file and printer sharing from your network configuration. A reboot may be required for changes to take effect. NOTE: If you discover that certain applications now fail to work you will need to reverse the process. You can still block WEBPOPUPs by altering your firewall settings.
This software, and all accompanying files, data and materials, are distributed "AS IS" and with no warranties of any kind, whether express or implied. Good data processing procedure dictates that any program be thoroughly tested with non-critical data before relying on it. The user must assume the entire risk of using the program. In no event shall Heavy Horse Research, or its principals, shareholders, officers, employees, affiliates, contractors, subsidiaries, or parent organizations, be liable for any incidental, consequential, or punitive damages whatsoever relating to the use of Messenger Utility, or your relationship with Heavy Horse Research.
In addition, in no event does Heavy Horse Research authorize you to use Messenger Utility in applications or systems where Messenger Utility's failure to perform can reasonably be expected to result in a significant physical injury, or in loss of life. Any such use by you is entirely at your own risk, and you agree to hold Heavy Horse Research harmless from any claims or losses relating to such unauthorized use.
For further information about Heavy Horse and Heavy Horse products please e-mail Heavy Horse Sales or visit our website at http://www.heavy-horse.com
Heavy Horse and the Heavy Horse logo are trademarks of Heavy Horse Research. Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft® Corporation. All other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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