For around a week now, every half hour, hour or so (it's not exact by any means) I get some unsolicited messages coming through on Windows Live Messenger. They usually point to a website or a service (mostly porn...) and the e-mail addresses they come look very peculiar so I can only assume they are bots. When I get the messages, messenger informs me that I am about to receive a message from a "contact" not on my list, and asks if I want to view it or not. I could click "no" and tick "always do this" or whatever, but then people who I have deleted in "msn clearouts" who still have me on their list would no longer be able to contact me. I was just wondering why I am suddenly getting this spam now, because I have ran a virus scan and a spyware check and nothing untoward is found. Any ideas? Thanks!

Blocking unwanted IM with Windows Live Messenger "Windows Live Messenger can block unwanted instant messages by: • Blocking certain people from adding you to their contact lists • Only receiving messages from people on your contact list To block certain people from adding you to their contact lists 1. In Windows Live Messenger, on the Tools menu, click Options. 2. Click the Privacy tab, and then select the checkbox next to Alert me when other users add me to their contact lists. 3. Click OK. When someone tries to add you to his or her contact list, Windows Live Messenger asks your permission. If this request is from a stranger or someone you don't want to hear from, select the Block this person from seeing when you are online and contacting you checkbox. To receive messages only from people on your contact list 1. In Windows Live Messenger, on the Tools menu, click Options. 2. Click the Privacy tab, and then select All others from My Allow List. 3. Click Block. This will prevent anyone not on your contact list from sending you messages or adding you to their contact lists." http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yo... Jabbering Idiots: Everywhere You Look!

Thanks for the response! Doing this won't stop people who I have deleted (but not blocked) contacting me will it?

No, it shouldn't. That is, unless you go as far as blocking all others from your allow list. Jabbering Idiots: Everywhere You Look!