# Computer problem: Why can't I open javascript windows?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-problem-why-cant-i-open-javascript-windows/348662
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [March 16, 2006, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-problem-why-cant-i-open-javascript-windows/348662 "2006-03-16T22:21:37Z")
**Posts on this page:** 4
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@George\_Kaplin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/George_Kaplin)
#### Post date: [March 16, 2006, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-problem-why-cant-i-open-javascript-windows/348662/1 "2006-03-16T22:21:37Z")
So I was browsing the internet at work today and I make a comment on my friends blog. It’s one of those blogs that, when you want to make a comment, you click a link that (unsurprisingly) reads ‘Comment’, and then a little comment window opens up. In this window are several fields. There’s one for your screen name, one for your e-mail address, and one for your website (if you have one). Then there’s a little field below into which you type your message.
So I type my message, preview it and post it. It shows up on the site underneath all the other comments immediately.
A few hours later I log on at home and decide to check the blog to see if anyone has responded to my post. Unfortunately, when I click the ‘Comment’ link absolutely nothing happens.
The same thing happens on other sites. For example, I can’t play _any_ of the games on [www.newgrounds.com](http://www.newgrounds.com) on my home computer because none of the links to the games work. Yet every other computer I use is fine.
I think the reason for this is because my home computer doesn’t understand the javascript command to open up the new comments window (newgrounds games always open up in a new screen as well, probably using the same principle). With specific reference to my friend’s blog, I know that the computer is aware that I’m trying to access the ‘Comments’ section because whenever I click the ‘Comments’ link I see this:
> [@](#):
>
> javascript:HaloScan(‘114245763996380414’);
in the address bar at the bottom of my browser (which, by the way is Internet Explorer - I don’t know which version).
So, is there any way that I can fix this problem? Is there anything I need to enable or disable in order to get my computer to act like every other computer I use and open these bloody comments windows?
Any and all help is gratefully appreciated.
Thanks.
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### Author:  [@Tevildo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tevildo)
#### Post date: [March 16, 2006, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-problem-why-cant-i-open-javascript-windows/348662/2 "2006-03-16T22:56:01Z")
From IE, Tools \> Internet Options \> Security \> Custom Level, and check that “Active Scripting” (near the bottom of the list) is set to “Enable” or “Prompt”.
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### Author:  [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)
#### Post date: [March 16, 2006, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-problem-why-cant-i-open-javascript-windows/348662/3 "2006-03-16T23:15:02Z")
I think it’s much more likely to be a problem with your browser than with your computer more generally. Try **Tevildo** ’s suggestion and see what happens.
If that doesn’t work, maybe you could try downloading and installing [Firefox](http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/) or [Opera](http://www.opera.com/) and see if they work?
I had a problem with IE a couple of years ago where i couldn’t open a new window, and where javascript pop-up windows contained no information. It was a real pain in the ass, and only a repair installation of Windows fixed it.
[Here](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=273963) is the thread i started about it, and [here](http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;281679) is the MS help page about that particular problem.
It’s no clear to me that you have this particular problem, but if **Tevildo** ’s suggestion doesn’t work you might look into it.
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### Author:  [@George\_Kaplin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/George_Kaplin)
#### Post date: [March 16, 2006, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-problem-why-cant-i-open-javascript-windows/348662/4 "2006-03-16T23:30:53Z")
Hi guys, thanks for your suggestions. I’ve checked my permissions and Active Scripting was already enabled, so I guess the problem resides with the browser. I’ll download Firefox and see if that makes any difference.