msmsgs.exe - MSN Messenger
Microsoft's MSN Messenger provides chat and text messaging services that are managed using the msmsgs.exe file. If it's installed in the correct location, msmsgs.exe is a legitimate Windows component. However it isn't a mandatory one.Note that MSN Messenger is not the same as the Messenger service found under services.msc, which provides the Alerter functionality for client/server messaging. This latter functionality is used by system administrators and others to send service-related messages to remote users.
Many home and business users who don't make use of MSN Messaging functionality simply disable this process altogether. It is not necessary for normal operation of your system. However, disabling it means you will not be able to use the MSN Messaging application to send and receive text/chat messages.
To disable this service, use Start -> Programs -> Windows Messenger -> Tools -> Options -> Preferences and simply disable the option. If you decide to run it again later on, you can always restart at any time. If you've disabled it and continue to see a running msmsgs.exe process on your PC, it may mean malware is installed. You can use the Search -> For Files and Folders option to find other, potentially illegitimate copies of msmsgs.exe, or run an up-to-date virus/malware scanner.
The legitimate copy of msmsgs.exe can be found in the c:\Program Files\Messenger directory. If you discover copies located in other directories, your machine may have malware installed and should be scanned immediately. Known malware that makes use of the msmsgs.exe file name include: W32.HLLW.Spirit, W32.Alcarys.B, and W32.Alcarys.G.
As always, if you suspect a malware infestation you should download and run a current copy of an antivirus/malware scanner in order to isolate and remove the offending application. Be sure to obtain the most recent definition files, since these are critical to the removal of current malware variants.
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