I am having a problem with my computer. It keeps bringing up porn pop-ups from sites I know don’t have porn pop-ups. In message boards links will go to porn sites sometimes, when I know that is not the link. And my homepage sometimes gets changed to a search engine that includes adult links. These pop-ups don’t come up all the time, nor do the links link to porn all the time, but it is really annoying.
How do I stop this? I did let my virus protection expire, is this the probelm?
I recommend two things:
Get a good firewall, such as ZoneAlarm, to ensure that no programs on your computer are requesting those pop-ups.
Install a browser that does a good job blocking pop-ups, such as Mozilla.
Both free.
Try the Google pop-up blocker, it seem quite effective.
this might be indicative of scumware installed on your system. (A program that installs itself on your system without your knowledge, usually geared to feed you ads and redirect you to sites). Run a program like Spybot search and destry to seek these things out. http://www.safer-networking.org/
I use Free Surfer to block popups. Sounds like Oktberfest accidently installed some sort of spyware and should get Ad-aware before anything else.
Try Spybot, Ad-Aware and an antivirus scan, sounds like you’ve got something on your machine.
And a second here for the Google toolbar. 565 popups blocked since I installed it!
Use Opera as your browser. It has a built-in popup blocker with no need to install third-party add-ins. Besides, IE is no longer supported by Microsoft.
Use Ad-ware and/or Spybot.
Use a quality anti-virus software.
Install a firewall, or if you use XP, configure the built-in firewall.
…Wah? Internet Explorer is no longer supported by Microsoft? That would explain the problems Windows is having what with IE being integral to the OS and all.
In other news today, Microsoft contemplates stopping their support of text input because "There are too many variables.” The concept of device drivers is also on the way out, as Microsoft management considers it a stability issue. One senior official is quoted as stating “When someone buys Windows they are buying a secure and stable operating system. It is our responsibility to safeguard their security, and allowing hardware to interact with software is a leading cause of instability.”
Last time I checked, Windows Update was there for downloading upgrades and security improvments to IE. I don’t know what your definition of “not supported” is, but that doesn’t seem to be it.
Anyway, its easier to just download google toolbar than re-install the whole browser - it only takes 5 minutes.
Ok, I ran Ad-ware, spybot (only ran half-way before it stopped responding), ran Norton anti-virus. I haven’t had any problems since.
How do I install a firewall?
Actually, I second the Opera advice; it is free, with popup blocker, mail client, and mouse gestures (not to be underestimated!). It is fast, easy to use, pretty, and full of nifty features. Give it a try; IE will still be there if you don’t like it, and it only takes 4 minutes. (beat that Herge!)
Including downloading? 
Actually, I don’t mean to critisice Opera, it just seemed a bit radical to scrap your entire browser just to get rid of some pop-ups. I suppose if you can run both side by side then its worth a try. I may even try it myself - where can I download it from?
I don’t see why anyone uses anything else.
I use an AOL pop-up blocker that works a little too well.
If all else fails, System Restore is an option.
Avant Browser has an amazing built-in popup stopper, I’ve only seen 2 or 3 popups get through in 6 months of use. It also gives you the ability to turn off flash and pictures using a toolbar icon.
I also recommend this program which has a list of advertizing hosts, and prevents ads from making into your browser in the first place. It is updated monthly.
I think most of you who’ve responded to this OP are giving good advice about pop-up blockers, but Oktberfest’s problem is clearly adware/spyware/scumware. A pop-up blocker isn’t going to fix the problems he’s talked about (links that should go somewhere OK, but are redirected to porn, his home page being changed). The solution to those problems is either Ad-Aware, Spybot, or both, as at least one or two folks have suggested. You can get Ad-Aware freebies at Lavasoft’s website, and Spybot at this website.
Second, do not, I repeat, do not let your anti-virus expire. There are more nasties out there all the time, and an out-of-date anti-virus package is almost useless.
Third, go to ZoneAlarm’s homepage, download the free firewall package, and install it. It’s fairly easy, and it comes with good information about configuring it (once you’ve given permission to various programs, like Internet Explorer and Outlook, to access the web routinely, you can pretty much ignore it from then on).
But, to repeat, the unwanted link redirects and homepage changes are not the result of viruses, trojans, or worms (which anti-virus and firewall software will help you avoid), but are the result of adware/spyware/scumware residing on your machine.