Irritating? YES! Happen only at certain sites? Nope! Some pop-ups are not related to any web site and just seem to happen at random. The first is a window with the title of "Windows Messenger Service" and is different than MSN, Yahoo, or AOL instant messenger. It's actually part of the Windows operating system and is enabled by default. Spammers have developed a new program that allows them to pop up ads on your computer with no interaction from you and at any time you are connected to the Internet quite often selling ... you guessed it - pop up window stopper software. Here's the link on how to disable this annoyance for each version of Windows; http://www.itc.virginia.edu/desktop/docs/messagepopup/ You will notice that Win98/ME can not disable this "service" but a decent firewall will be just as effective in blocking the spammers access - and you should have one installed anyway. Personally, I feel that Zone Alarm is the best one available and the basic version is completely free. You can download it at; http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp?lid=zadb_zadown The second window that is hassling people is exclusive to AOL subscribers. You may experience a pop up that wants to install software to your computer all on it's own and the file is called "sa.payment.aol.com". It's an update to your shopping assistant and to disable it go to your AOL toolbar; click SETTINGS---PREFERENCES----INTERNET OPTIONS----click SHOPPING ASSISTANT tab, uncheck VIEW SHOPPING ASSISTANT then apply and ok. This public service announcement has been brought to you by the letters B, E, & the number 7.
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