Windows XP Pop Up Tip

I reinstalled XP and I forgot how to disable the pop ups through XP that you get. Could someone please remind me how I do that? Also, any tips for stopping other pop ups, let me know.
Thanks.

To turn off the messenger service, go to start->settings->control panel->administrative tools->services->and then scroll down to messenger->click stop messenger service->right click on messenger service, go to properties and change start up type to disabled.

Thank You, That was it!