How to Block Unwanted Popups
When you surf the Internet, you may stumble upon a web page that attempts to create a separate "popup" window containing an advertisement. Popups are generally disruptive to web surfing, so you may want to block them from appearing. You can block any unwanted popup windows by changing your web browser's settings and using third-party software options.
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Instructions
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Open the Windows Start menu and select "All Programs." Click "Windows Update" and then choose "Install Updates" to install the most recent security fixes.
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Return to your web browser. Click "Tools" and then select "Options" if you are using Mozilla Firefox. Navigate to the "Privacy" tab. Click the "Block Popup Windows" check box and then select "OK."
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Select "Tools" and then "Internet Explorer" if you are using Internet Explorer. Navigate to the "Privacy" tab and click the "Turn on Popup Blocker" button. Click "OK."
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Download and install a spyware removal tool if you don't already have an anti-spyware program. Run the program's update feature to ensure you have the most recent spyware information.
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Click the option to run the tool's "full system scan" feature to search every folder on your computer's hard drive for spyware. When the scan completes, click the option to remove any detected spyware.
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Download and install a popup blocking toolbar compatible with your web browser if you continue to receive popup messages.
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Tips & Warnings
Some legitimate websites require you to allow popups to access the site's full functionality. You can create exceptions in your web browser's settings to allow specific websites to create popups. In Firefox, return to the "Content" tab and then click the "Exceptions" button. Enter the address of any website that should be allowed to create popups. In Internet Explorer, return to the "Privacy" tab and enter the address of a specific website in the text field near the popup button.
Check your anti-spyware program's options to see if it has a feature labeled "Immunize" or something similar. Turn on the option to prevent popup windows that may install spyware without your knowledge.
Always read through the options when installing a popup blocking toolbar. Many web browser toolbar programs include additional software that you may not want to also install.
References
Resources
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