popups

  • Thread starter Thread starter queenjre
  • Start date Start date
Q

queenjre

what would cause pop-up ads when your not logged on to
internet explorer? they just pop up on their own with out
opening the browser window
 
There is problem related to the Messenger Service, if you are running
XP. Apparently it was developed to allow the broadcasting of messages
across an network. The spammers have found a way to harness this
messenger to broadcast general ads across the internet. I think it
will cause a popup without Explorer being loaded.

A friend was having this problem with porn messages popping up, and
simply enabling the built in firewall of XP stopped the messages. The
best way is to turn off the Messenger service. Go to Start/Control
Panel/Administrative Tools/Services and go down the alphabetical list
til you find Messenger. Right click it and select Properties from the
popup window. Look under Startup Type and change it to Disabled.

If it's not any of the above, it's most likely some kind of Spyware.
Besides the spyware removal software suggested in another reply, try
Adaware from Lavasoft and Hijack This. They are both freeware. Hijack
This will show you software running in the background that is often
inappropriate (ie. uninvited). Also, look in the Hijack Log under the
Run keys of HKLM and see if there's anything set to start
automatically that shouldn't be starting. You'd be surprised at the
junk that gets loaded by software installs.

As a general rule, be very wary of software that is offered for free.
A lot of it is legitimate and good; like Adaware, Hijack This, and
Proxomitron (internet filter). Many advertisers are sponsoring free
software so they can get their ad trojans on your computer. I go by
the old adage that if it's too good to be true, it probably is.
 
Just a follow up to my other message. When you say these popups are
happening even when you're looged off IE Explorer, I am assuming you
have a DSL or Cable connection which is permanently on. Please be
aware that the browser doesn't have to be enabled in order for
communications from the internet to access your system with these
permaently connected lines. You are only safe when the computer is
turned right off.

A computer commuicates with the outside world via 'ports'. Some of
these ports connect to external devices like printers, mice
(meeses...Mr Jinx hated meeses to peices), displays, etc., but there
are a large amount of ports available. A browser only uses a few of
the ports available to the internet as a whole. Other services like
FTP, TELNET, etc., use ports as well as a host of other devices and
services. So just because you are looged off your browser doesn't mean
you can't be hacked.

The only way to effectively block unused ports is by using a good
firewall application. You can set what are called 'Rules' to tell the
firewall on which ports to allow traffic and on which to block
traffic. The free Sygate firewall I mentioned has a stealth mode that
can make you invisible to the internet.

Whereas firewall rules are probably beyong the interest and capability
of the average user, a good firewall set on stealth mode will give
good protection. What you have to worry about is built in bugs in XP
that allow hackers in. Keeping up with the latest security updates is
imperative.
 
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