These crazy pop-up system messages, how to get rid of?

suzeygal · 12-03-2005, 04:47 PM

Hi all,

I keep getting these gray colored pop-up boxes that say, "system message." The messages vary from some type of registry cleaner software to advertisements.
Yes, I do run a pop-up blocker and yes, I have used spybot s & d, ad-aware and cleanup.
Does anyone have a clue as to where these things come from or how I can get rid of them?

Thanks,
Suzeygal

Will.Spencer · 12-03-2005, 11:15 PM

The popus are titled "System Message", not "Messenger Service"?

Hmmm...

Bender · 12-04-2005, 03:33 PM

Yes I have seen these before - its spyware trying to tell you that you need to "scan your computer" or something.
Dont click on those links though.

Run HiJack this and post the log up here.

pyowomaniac · 12-05-2005, 02:59 PM

I hate those boxes because they're always prompting me to buy something. I really believe that some of the companies that create the anti spyware are also creating the spyware. That's why I will not buy anti spyware software. There's software that will get rid of those messages, for free.

CaitSith4343 · 12-05-2005, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pyowomaniac

I hate those boxes because they're always prompting me to buy something. I really believe that some of the companies that create the anti spyware are also creating the spyware. That's why I will not buy anti spyware software. There's software that will get rid of those messages, for free.

Yeah, if you get popups telling you to buy or install a virus/spyware scanner, obviously don't do it. If you think about it, the only reasons this would be happening are:
a) The spyware scanner company has already put spyware on your machine and there is going to be even more on what you buy/download.
b)The spyware scanner company already put spyware on your machine and they are seeking your money to delete their own spyware.
c)The company is paying other people to put out spyware and adware that brings popups for their site so they can make money.

Either way, the company is unethical.

Just stick with the free stuff like AdAware and Spybot Search & Destroy.

As for the original poster, I also recommend running Hijackthis and posting a log. If we can't help you there are still a ton of resources out there where you can find out what is wrong from your log.

imported_Steve · 12-08-2005, 06:30 PM

HiJack This logs will often show up spyware that other programs miss.
You can then easily remove entries from the registry to get rid of the nasty spyware that causes those popups.

I usually end up reinstalling windows when this happens to me though.

n3rdych1ck · 12-10-2005, 10:24 AM

Those are annoying! When those are constantly poping up on my computer, I usually do a virus check. If that doesn't fix the problem, I reformat my HD. It's a long process, but computers should work correctly.

kelp · 12-10-2005, 12:59 PM

You might want to try to install AVG or Avast Antivirus. When you run Spybot or AdAware is there always something detected, but it is never fixed? Like, you run the programs and they find something and supposedly fix it, but it comes back after a while?

Bender · 12-11-2005, 04:07 PM

I cant say AVG is good program for removing anything, its a free AV program therefore its definitions are not as up to date and strong as other paid for anti virus programs.

kbelloise · 12-16-2005, 03:05 PM

Those grey pop ups are usually messenger popups and you can find out how to disable them here...

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u.../stopspam.mspx

It's something you need to disable on your system, not something you need to delete such as spyware or a virus. I've been through this a few times myself.