error messages 'your registry is corrupted'

Question

I bought a Dell Inspiron 1100 with Windows XP in 2003.   Recently error messages from windows messenger service started appearing, saying things like 'your registry is corrupted,' 'Microsoft has encountered internal errors' and 'your system may have critical errors'. These messages usually end with a web address to fix the problems, but when but when I try and access the sites they will come up as 'page cannot be displayed.'   After some messages the computer will shut itself down,  but when turned on again it will be fine. The messages usually appear when I am using the internet (BT dial-up pay per minute). Most other programs function normally.   Could someone please tell me if they are experiencing similar problems or they know what is wrong and how to rectify it.

bacillus · Answer

it sounds to me like your windows messenger service is still enabled leading to spam messages.
you need to go into control panel>administrative tools>computer management.
in the left pane expand services and applications then click on services.
in the right pane scroll down to messenger, double click it then choose to disable it under startup type.
I'm assuming that you've already scanned your laptop for viruses, trojans & spyware.

Ed C · Answer

Yes you need to turn the Messenger service OFF and use either the built in XP firewall on that dialup connection or another software firewall. And PLEASE stop clicking on the web Page link in those messages. They are trying to infect your PC with something.

Bay Wolf · Answer

Just as a precautionary measure, I would also suggest running Ad-Aware or Sypbot-Search & Destroy (or both) to check your system for spyware and adware.  It sounds like you have been on the Internet without protecting system.

antheag2005 · Answer

Thanks everyone, looks like turning off the messages worked!

blum_amy · Answer

Also run a check with your antivirus and antispam to make sure your computer isn't infected.

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error messages "your registry is corrupted"

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