What the hell is this?

[d000hg]

I keep getting these, starting a few days ago. Is it something bad?

[rik]

Ignore them, but You should also disable the Windows Messenger Service.

[Kane]

http://www.google.com/search?client=...utf-8&oe=utf-8

As rik said disable Messenger service.

For Windows 2K --> Go to Start | Control Panel | Admin tools | and Select "Services"
Once in services locate the "Messenger" service. Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties. Click the STOP button. Select Disable in the Startup Type scroll bar. Click OK.

For Windows XP --> Go to Start | Control Panel (Category View) | Performance and Maintenance (if you are in the "classic" view Use Win2K instruction) | Admin tools | Services | Locate "Messenger" then right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties. Click the STOP button. Select Disable in the Startup Type scroll bar. Click OK.

I also recommend running a spyware/virus scan to make sure you don't have malware installed on your system.

[Reverend]

when you stop the messenger service also double click "Messenger" and on the General tab select Disabled from the Startup type drop down menu. Click Apply > OK.

Also in the same list check that the "Alerter" service is disabled as well. Use the same process to disable it.

[Aloone_Jonez]

Do you use Internet Explorer?

You could consider an alternative or try disabling Active X controls.

[Reverend]

Originally Posted by Aloone_Jonez

Do you use Internet Explorer?

You could consider an alternative or try disabling Active X controls.

There is no need to try an alternative. We have all given clear instructions on how to simply and safely prevent it happening.

[Reverend]

d000hg, after disabling the service go to Windows Update and install any available patches.

[Reverend]

Just to add, the Messenger and Alerter services are now disabled by default when applying XP SP2.

In previous versions of Windows, the Messenger service is set to start automatically and the Alerter service is set to manual start. In Windows XP Service Pack 2, both of these services are set to Disabled. No other changes are made to these services.