Pop-Up Help!

[durutti]

I need some help.

Recently, I've been getting a lot of pop-ups. These aren't just the kind of pop-ups that appear when you go to a certain Web page. Even if I'm not on the Web, they pop up (as long as I'm connected to the Internet).

In addition, I've suddenly gotten this thing that shows ads as a frame in my browser. And there are a lot of Web page shortcuts on my desktop that weren't there before.

This problem is slowing down my computer immensely. Anyone know how to fix it?

[La_Serpiente]

1. Do you anti-spyware programs?

There is Ad-Aware

http://download.com.com/3000-2094-10045910.html?legacy=cnet

I think you do have spyware.

[matcom]

2. first, run a complete virus scan

then, install the Google toolbar (can be found at Google.com)

it has a built in popup blocker that works wonders. and it free

good luck

[kalian]

I would recommend....

The MyIE2 browser.
http://www.myie2.com/html_en/home.htm

[FlashHarry]

7. The Google toolbar is a godsend!

Thanks to those here who suggested it (Catwoman?). It works.

[Khephra]

12. I'll second that!

I haven't seen a pop-up since I started using it.

[kalian]

3. Sounds like you're running Windows XP

right?
If so, that's probably Messenger. It could also be a spyware app
that's running in the background.
Do a search for the application named "Save.exe". If you find it,
delete it.

[Kellanved]

10. Kalian is right

Remove the Windows Messenger service
here is a how-to:
http://www.itc.virginia.edu/desktop/docs/messagepopup/

[OneBlueSky]

4. get a good pop-up stopper . . .

like this one . . .

http://www.panicware.com

[johnnie]

5. This is free...

Get spybot...it might help. I use it and it seems to stop most pop-ups, and it's free. Of course they would like donations, but the program works well...
http://spybot.eon.net.au/

[Bozola]

9. ABSOLUTELY! Get SpyBot NOW!

You are definitely infested with spyware.

[RapidCreek]

13. Yes yes yes

Do this NOW! It is free software. And the best out there....free or otherwise. Read the directions. Run the scan. After doing so you will be presented with a list of items that spybot has found. Check and Remove only those which spybot has selected by default. Unless you know what you are doing DO NOT check any additional boxes that the software doesn't check for removal by default.

RC

[No Passaran]

6. spyware

Get some spyware killer software.

http://download.com.com/3120-20-0.html?qt=spyware&tg=dl-2001

Install, run and delete anything that does this to you (kazaa etc...) From now on when you download something, check the reviews for this software at http://download.com

[No Passaran]

8. in addition

This is not a IE problem. It's got nothing to do with your browser. Go to http://zonelabs.com and download that software which will help you in the future. Do this of course after you remove all the spyware installed on your computer.

[RapidCreek]

11. Get the Google toolbar.

and activate the popup stopper. Make sure you read the directions. This is FREE and it works 90% of the time. It sounds to me like you are running MS Instant messenger, wheather you know it or not....and this is why you are getting the "popups when offline" You need to turn this OFF. Do a search on google to learn how. Microsoft recently got hammered by the FCC for holes in IM which allow spam and unwanted pop ups to occur. In XP and win2k IM is turned ON by defualt. Microsoft has admitted that the problem exsists and is going to turn IM OFF in all future releases of XP.

In addition you may want to download Spybot Search and Destroy. It is a free spyware remover/preventer.....and is recognized as just about the best one going...including those that cost money. Run spybot s&d and remove ONLY the default items that come up. DO NOT remove the additional choices you are given.

Lastly you should install a firewall....Zone Alarm has a free version and I highly reccomend it. If you have the time or interest to learn and play around with it....you may want to purchase Zone Alarm Pro. It is a worthwile investent.

[Catfish]

14. Mozilla

I use Mozilla as my browser and never have to worry about popups. It's free and I've found it to be a very stable browser.