IE error message

[HopieB85]

I run XP home and I am using service pack one and I am having a problem. Please don't advise me to get service pack two as an answer, my network doesn't like service pack 2.

I get a pop up error message (ends up being several over night) that says "Microsoft Internet Explorer" in the title bar and the error reads "Spyware alert, click ok for more details". It isn't a pop up from a company because there is nothing in the start bar, it looks like a genuine IE error message. I also have my security settings to the lowest possible one, and I allow no cookies. I also use Mozilla Firefox instead of IE. I also run a spyware program all the time and do a full system scan but it doesn't seem to help. If you could give me any kind of suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[bcastner]

Start, Run, Administrative Tools, Services
Find the service Messenger. Click the Stop buggton. In the Start up window set it to Disabled.

 

[Righty]

I think you meant Start, Contol panel, Administrative tools, Messenger.

 

[bcastner]

No, I really mean Services under Administrative Tools. If this is XP Home:

Start, Run, Services.msc

You will find the Messenger Service (which has nothing to do with Windows Messenger IM client). SP2 will disable this by default. Under XP Service Pack 1 just do it by hand.

 

[HopieB85]

i tried that and it still didnt work!

 

[bcastner]

If it is not coming through the Messenger service, it is malware of a different type.

See faq608-4650

As a quick removal, download and run the trial version of Giant:

http://www.spychecker.com/program/giantantispyware.html

 

[linney]

Try running Disk Cleanup and remove your Temporary Internet Files. Empty any Temp files from the Username temp folders.

"I also have my security settings to the lowest possible one" Do you mean high or low security on your machine?

Have you clicked on this box to see what the "more details" refer to?

Follow the FAQ as you need more than just one program's opinion to catch everything.

 

[Jump1ng]

Do you have any kind of firewall between your pc and the net?

For spyware and malware its not really that helpfull but if its something else it should log incoming connections and you might get some clues to where from your if there is anything external what its coming from.

Also why does your network not like SP2?

Does this message happen even if you disconnect your machine from the net?

Although from the way you describe your error I would also have thought it was the messenger service as suggested by bcastner.

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