Recently I have been getting grey box pop up ads while I am not using my computer. They are coming directly from the advertiser and sent to my IP addy. I have a a pop up blocker but that did not take care of these. It only happens when I am not browsing the net. Any idea where/what software is causeing this. Thank you! Tim

Do you have a firewall? If so then find the program and then don't let it access the net.

Not right now I had mcafee but the version I was using does not work with 2000 pro. Would a Are there any recomended free firewalls to use until I purchase one.

Try this link to a March 2002 article on "Message Spam".

There is a new form of Internet Message Spam for those running NT/2000/XP or Messenger Service software that supports NET SEND commands from Servers. All it takes is you being connected to the Internet with Port 139 Open and for them to get your current IP address.

Above article has instructions for disabling this Messenger Service.

Thank you JackG, that is exactly what is happening to me. I appreciate your help. I will take care of it when I get home. Thanks again and have a great one! Tim

Tim.Try the free version of Sygate Personal Firewall.It's a good program and has a back-trace feature.Wilders.org has reviews and downloads of firewalls.Hope this helps.

Jim is right I was going to say,You might try
Sygate personal firewall. It is real good and it is free,,,

One more vote for

SYGATE

For more information, download ACTIVE PORTS version 1.4 from www.download.com or search www.google.com.
It is an excellent product that when run, will show all OPEN ports and it's associated processes responsible for opening and maintaining the OPEN port, then from within ACTIVE PORTS, you can TERMINATE the Process, thus CLOSING the PORT.

Also, TCP 139 can specifically be closed.

now that the Messenger boxes have stopped, i now have a DOS screen/box that "flashes" onto my screen every now and then...quite frequently. i've run virus scan and spyware scans, and can't seem to remove it, or even know what it is...anyone know what it is? or how to remove? thank you.