do you want to install and run....NO! 5

[alexadi]

I'm using the IE that comes with xp sp1.
How can I disable this popup message in that asks me if I want to install and run all sorts of programs that "save money", "accelerate downloads", and usually try to dial $1/min number?
When I click NO, it pops a message that says "you should click yes to enable bla bla". When I close this dialog box it goes away for 10 seconds and then it appears again: do you want to install...it drives me nuts!

 

[AZiegler]

I suggest getting your hands on a little program called 'Ad-aware'. Basically get it updated via the update option in the software and run a full scan on your pc.

Its just like an anti-virus program except it detects and automatically removes all the files that may be causing those annoying pop ups.

You cant go wrong. Heres the link :

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/

 

[alexadi]

Thanks, I did that and cleaned a bunch of junk, but it seems this particular problem lies elsewhere.
The dialog box is just like that for installing flash player or some other normal software that is needed to display a certain page. Except it tries to install these malware programs.
Is there a way to disable this 'feature' of IE?

 

[carrr]

alexadi,
What OS are you running? It sounds like you might be receiving these messages via Windows Messenger. If that's the case, AdAware or any other malware removal tool is useless. Please follow the instructions (per your OS) found here:

http://www.itc.virginia.edu/desktop/docs/messagepopup/

 

[smah]

Sometimes this is an effect of the sites that you visit. If not, Adaware should have gotten it, but I suggest trying Spybot. Be sure to update it after you install it.

http://downloads-zdnet.com.com/3000-2144-10194058.html?tag=lst-0-1

 

[AP81]

Also, I suggest download Spyware Blaster. It is a free app that stops unwanted (and potentially dangerous) active X controls installing things onto your PC.

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/spywareblaster.html

 

[bcastner]

Hijack This! is my contribution.

I call this the "Troubleshooting Trinity" for IE issues such as you have described.

Run the following exactly in this order. Prior to running the scan for each, use the Options under each program to update the definition file. SpyBot 1.2, for example, added over 1,000 definitions to 1.2 release versions last week.

The "Troubleshooting Trinity" :

Hijack This!
SpyBot 1.2
AdAware

All available here:

http://www.spywareinfo.com/articles/hijacked/#removal

 

[TekKnowGeek]

In response to the need to prevent pop-ups.

I dislike having to install third party utilities that perform functions that could otherwise be done with just an understanding of browsing policy.

I hate pop-ups! Most, if not all, legitimate sites don't use them.

To prevent pop-ups, disable all java, vbScript, active-X etc... under "Tools--> Internet Options --> Security --> Internet". This applies to all internet sites. If you need these technologies on specific sites, add the sites to your trusted sites Zone. When your IE Browser gets to a trusted zone, it will (if configured) allow scripting.

Just my two cents. (1.3 cents American currency)

Life is a journey to death

 

[alexadi]

Thanks TekKnowGeek, I did that, just in reverse, adding all sites that gave me these popups to the restricted sites category in IE. Problem solved.

I'm going to install Hijack, spywareblaster and spybot too, just to make sure my comp is clean. Thank you all!