Block or stop popup / browser ads and clear browser history.

If you really want to stop browser pop up ads and you want to do it for free there are 2 things that you have to do.

1. Stop using Internet Explorer. That's right, dump it right now.

2. Download the free Mozilla Firefox browser here. This browser opens all new pages within it's desktop and behind any open window so you don't have to deal with pop ups and no we don't make any money by sending people to their website. We just use the browser and recommend it highly.

3. If you insist on using IE then be sure to download and install any and all Windows updates on a regular basis and good luck!

Spyware popup ads (These just open out of the blue even when your browser is not running)

Now if you have the mysterious spyware type that open when you aren't browsing the web then you need to download a spyware removal tool. We use Spybot - Search & Destroy. This is also totally free and you may download it here. After downloading and installing this software restart your Windows machine in Safe Mode and run it. You might be surprised at what else it finds . . .

Windows Messenger Service  (Those stupid little windows in the lower right of your desktop)

The third type of popup is caused by Windows Messenger Service. Find your version of Windows below and follow the instructions to disable it.

Note: There is no way to disable this service with Windows 98 and ME.

Windows 2000
Click Start-> Settings-> Control Panel-> Administrative Tools->Services
Scroll down and highlight "Messenger"
Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties.
Click the STOP button.
Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar
Click OK

Windows XP Home and Professional
Click Start->Settings ->Control Panel
Click Performance and Maintenance
Click Administrative Tools
Double click Services
Scroll down and highlight "Messenger"
Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties.
Click the STOP button.
Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar
Click OK

Windows NT
Click Start ->Control Panel
Double Click Administrative Tools
Select Services-> Double-click on Messenger
In the Messenger Properties window, select Stop,
Then choose Disable as the Startup Type
Click OK
 

Clear Internet browsing history

Firefox Version 1x

Select "Tools" then "Options" from the Firefox menu.
Click the "Privacy" icon.
Click the "Clear" buttons next to "History", "Cookies" and "Cache". If you prefer you can also clear all saved passwords and form information by clicking the "Clear" buttons for those items.

For Internet Explorer see http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;157729

Netscape Navigator Versions 4x- 7x

Clear the Cache:
Select "Edit" from the drop-down menus across the top-left of the browser window.
Select "Preferences" from this menu.
Select the "Advanced" button under "Category"
Click "Cache"
When the window appears, click "Clear Memory Cache" and "Clear Disk Cache". Close the window.

Clear History:
Select "Edit" from the drop-down menus across the top-left of the browser window.
Select "Preferences" from this menu.
Select "Navigator" button under the "Category" listing
Select "History" listing
Click "Clear History"

Remove Cookies:
Select "Edit" from the drop-down menus across the top-left of the browser window.
Select "Preferences" from this menu.
Select the "Privacy & Security" button under the "Category" listing
Select the "Cookies" listing
Select the "View Stored Cookies" button
Click the "Remove All Cookies" button

We hope you find this information useful. We don't guarantee that you will get rid of all pop ups using these methods but at least you will get them down to almost nothing which will make your internet experience more enjoyable. If you find this information useful tell someone or better yet email them a link to this page.

Thanks.

The Crew @ Low Dot Domains