How to Stop Automatic Redirecting

One of the most common techniques used to redirect a user from one web page to another is by using the "meta-refresh" tag. This line of code triggers a countdown, which goes unseen by the user, until the page automatically redirects to a specified URL. This allows a website owner to force the user to visit any web page they want, which is a security risk if the web page contains malware or viruses. Fortunately, many web browsers allow you the option of disabling automatic redirection.

Instructions

Internet Explorer

1. Click the "Tools" menu, then click "Internet Options."

2. Click the "Security" tab. Click the "Custom Level" button.

3. Scroll down to the "Miscellaneous" section in the "Security Settings" window.

4. Click the "Disable" radio button under the "Allow META REFRESH" option to disable the meta-refresh tag.

5. Click "OK" to confirm the security configuration change.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Click the "Tools" menu, then click "Options."

2. Click the "Advanced" button, then click the "General" tab.

3. Click to place a check in the "Warn me when web sites try to redirect..." check box, under the "Accessibility" section.

4. Click the "OK" button to confirm the change.

Opera

1. Click the "Tools" menu, then click "Preferences."

2. Click the "Advanced" tab.

3. Click to clear the check from the "Enable automatic redirection" check box.

4. Click "OK."

References

• PageResource: The Meta Refresh
• HelpDeskGeek: Disable Meta Refreshes in IE8
• MozillaZine: Accessibility.blockautorefresh
• Opera: Privacy and Cookies

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish