Messenger service comes with xp. it's not windows
messenger (the online one-on-one chats). You can disable
messenger service. click start>>control panel. double
click Administrative tools. double click Services.
Scroll down to Messenger and double click. stop button.
Under startup type, pick "disable" click ok.
Install a good firewall and this should reduce popups.
(if i can do it anyone can), micki