Damn Pop-ups

[TerranRich]

The definition of irony? These damn pop-up windows...all of which advertise for Pop-Up Removal Software! GAH!

Is it just me, or is anyone else getting these stupid message-box style pop up windows even when not browsing the web? I've heard it was a Windows-related flaw or something. First, my friend had it. I thought it had something to do with her cable internet service provider. Then I started getting them, and I had to get a program to block them, and it works.

Every single one of the pop-up software things that advertise using pop-ups cost as much as $30. I say just go to www.download.com and find the higher-rated freeware pop-up removal programs. I have one called "Stop-the-Pop-Up", if anyone needs one. It's available on download.com

[Pessi]

I haven't got that but my brother does. I think it might be because of the spyware that comes with Kazaa, but I'm not completely sure.

You could try Ad-aware to check if you have any spyware. That would explaing why the popups harrass you even when you're not browsing the net.

[Fuzzpilz]

If this is what it sounds like, you don't need a special program to get rid of it. Just disable the Windows messenger service.

Here is one of the numerous pages that tell you how to do this.

[TerranRich]

w00t! That works. Now I'm even more pissed off that there is a simple fix to all of this, while others are selling their crap for $30

Hmm

* terranRICH gets an idea and makes a pop-up removal program that does all of this,  and sells it for $40.

Seriously, think about it. It would sell.

[Fuzzpilz]

Everything sells. You'll always find somebody stupid enough to buy it if you look thoroughly, which is why spam exists. The average response rate is way below 0.1% as far as I know, but when you're sending out millions of mails a day, that's enough. (which means that there are apparently people who will not only fall for anything, but will do so again and again)

[Robert Eric]

* Robert Eric deletes his $100 "fool-proof, professionally made" spy-ware program that doesn't work at all

[sum-41]

On my mac, I use Safari browser. I can turn the pop-ups on and off as I choose- and it was a free download.
*sum-41 gives a long, evil laugh.

PC users- pfft!

[TheYak]

As far as programs like ad-aware go, there's also Spybot search & destroy..  it has fairly regular updates and is free.  I've been using it for 2 weeks and have had no problem with unsolicited pop-ups.  Regarding the pop-ups even when you aren't visiting sites, some ad/pop-up software installs on your system (either by request or not) and delivers pop-ups to you based upon what you seem to be interested in.  One common program is called Savenow.  Kazaa also installs its own spyware, called cydoor.  It does essentially the same thing.

[Evil]

Pessi: Kazaa's spywear is odd. It saves banners that it uses to your hd. That way when you are offline it still shows (and gets paid for) advertisements. There arnt any popups other then banners in the program itself...

[taryuu]

programs you must have if you hate pop ups as much as i do.

Ad Aware - standard for spyware removal  - http://www.lavasoftusa.com/

Spy Sweeper -finds spyware adware doesn't  
http://www.webroot.com/wb/products/spysweeper/index.php

Mozilla/ Mozilla Firebird (excelletn pop-up blocking browsers)
http://www.mozilla.org/

[LGM]

http://toolbar.google.com

This will rid you of all pop-ups. Works like a charm, and has other nice features you probably will use daily..

The other links are nice, but this one is free baby.. No Spyware or Adware

[Fuzzpilz]

sum-41: these aren't related to popups on websites, which are easily avoided by anyone not silly enough to still use Internet Explorer.

[agswannabe]

gotta try that google thing