Pop Up Ads (email, flash, reset, installing)

[Cougar31]

1) how can I stop those ads from poping up.
-I tried by disabling pop up from the internet(tools) and System tools as well.

2)How can I reset my older settings(the way my PC was 1 or 2 days ago)


Thanks

[mawipafl]

I presume that you have pop-up blocking turned on, but the pop-ups are still happening? And another presumption that you're using Internet Explorer?

If that's the case, I have the same setup and I sometimes still get pop-ups or rather pop-unders. Every so often tribalfusion and castlemedia (and a couple of others) pop under. I think if you have a spyware program running in realtime, that won't occur. I'm not sure.

As for reset, and if you're using XP (I don't know how it works in Vista), I'm guessing you want System Restore to time travel back a couple of days. That can be found... All Programs-->Accessories-->SystemTools--> then choose the System Restore (or more easily, go to Help & Support and type in System Restore, choose System Restore Wizard) and follow the instructions. You can then choose a previous setting.

[Tek_Freek]

If you don't have a current anti-spware/anti-virus program running you might get pop-ups even with IE set to stop them. It might be a different kind of pop-up. Is there a certain type you see? Like "You have xxx viruses", or "Your computer is infected with dangersous tracking programs".

If so then you may have one of the many invasive "buy me" ads that list fake problems to get you to buy their junk.

Download malwarebytes and run it.

FileHippo.com - Download Free Software

Even if you don't have that type of pop-up it won't hurt, and can only help, to run this program.

[Asheville Native]

Google Toolbar added to your browser will do a good job.

[Cougar31]

Originally Posted by Tek_Freek

If you don't have a current anti-spware/anti-virus program running you might get pop-ups even with IE set to stop them. It might be a different kind of pop-up. Is there a certain type you see? Like "You have xxx viruses", or "Your computer is infected with dangersous tracking programs".

If so then you may have one of the many invasive "buy me" ads that list fake problems to get you to buy their junk.

Download malwarebytes and run it.

FileHippo.com - Download Free Software

Even if you don't have that type of pop-up it won't hurt, and can only help, to run this program.

I currently have McAfee, can I still use malwarebytes?
Thanks!

[Cougar31]

Originally Posted by mawipafl

I presume that you have pop-up blocking turned on, but the pop-ups are still happening? And another presumption that you're using Internet Explorer?

If that's the case, I have the same setup and I sometimes still get pop-ups or rather pop-unders. Every so often tribalfusion and castlemedia (and a couple of others) pop under. I think if you have a spyware program running in realtime, that won't occur. I'm not sure.

As for reset, and if you're using XP (I don't know how it works in Vista), I'm guessing you want System Restore to time travel back a couple of days. That can be found... All Programs-->Accessories-->SystemTools--> then choose the System Restore (or more easily, go to Help & Support and type in System Restore, choose System Restore Wizard) and follow the instructions. You can then choose a previous setting.

those pop ups gor so often today that I reformatted my PC. The problem is solved...but I would like to ensure that this won't happen again! any advice.
Thanks.

[Brian.Pearson]

You had a fair chance of fixing it with the above advice for running MalwareBytes. The only thing you can't run with your antivirus software is another antivirus software program. Also it's not a good idea to run two separate malware cleaners at the same time.

Also, your AV is designed for virus protection. You need other programs, preferably more than one, to keep your computer clean.

[thecoalman]

Originally Posted by Cougar31

those pop ups gor so often today that I reformatted my PC. The problem is solved...but I would like to ensure that this won't happen again! any advice.
Thanks.

You most likely had some malware installed, this is usually installed by you. Be very careful about installing anything, one common technique for example is to lure people into installing a "codec" to view a video.

Assuming you have Adobe's Flash and MS silverlight installed you should not have to install anything to view 99.9% of the legitimate media content on the web.

[Brian.Pearson]

Yeah, and many people get malware from clicking on email spam and from ecards, all seemingly innocuous to those who don't know about it. Others are found in sites that make you think you can be free of all malware if only you downloaded some super duper program. Many don't know the good from the bad, and end up loaded with malware from antimalware scammers. And to add insult to injury, they convince people to pay for this malware.

[InfectedMushroom]

*cough* Firefox with AdBlock Plus *cough*


Never see a popup or crappy ad