Pop-ups and other annoyances pt.2

Windows Messenger adverts What are these? -- Grey windows that open on the screen and often appear to originate from Windows, but which have some kind or advertisement or message that is not an obvious computer-related message. What can I do to stop this? -- Update your Windows software. Make sure you have the latest version of Windows and all the updates. -- Install a firewall. -- If you would prefer to disable the Windows Messenger Service you may follow these instructions at your own risk (please note that we do not recommend this as a course of action): -- Click Start, and then click Control Panel. -- Double-click Administrative Tools. -- Double-click Services. -- Double-click Messenger. -- In the Startup type list, click Disabled. -- Click Stop, and then click OK.