How do I stop random pop ups?

Question

So I was on IMDB and I kept getting random pop-ups (they seemed to have absolutely nothing to do with IMDB, especially since I've used IMDB before and not gotten mass amounts of pop-ups). Then, I was just search on yahoo (where I shouldn't be getting pop-ups, on a search results page) and I kept getting these pop-ups. They say to update my virus software or something and go to scanner-mainpro.com (followed by / and then some more to the URL). This is happening constantly although I have my pop-up blocker on.

How could this have happened (other people use this computer and it didn't do this when I used the computer this morning)? And how do I make it stop getting constant pop-ups?

These pop-ups have come up at least 5 times as I typed this.

Answer 1

use firefox to browse the web. Internet explorer is a joke. to answer your question though go into the privacy settings in your preferences and check the box that says block pop ups (firefox lets you block these and does a great job). I dont work for them but I love their browsers. heres  a link

http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

Answer 2

I would scan the computer with antivirus and antispyware programs, just incase a virus or spyware is causing the pop ups.

SUPERAntiSpyware

Dr.Web CureIt

ClamWin Antivirus

then use a pop blocker to block them from websites

SelectView Filter

Smart Popup Blocker

Google Toolbar

Answer 3

Try firefox!

Answer 4

move to a latest web browsers, block the pop ups. also try scanning your pc for virus.

Answer 5

I was having this same problem.  I have no clue how it started or where it came from, but it just cropped up today after going to my usual "safe" websites.

I downloaded ad-aware by lavasoft, as well as Microsoft's "Windows Defender", ran a scan with both, and for now, apparently the problem has disappeared.

Windows Defender was running as one of the pop ups occurred, and it detected a virus (even though I have AVG anti-virus running and it wasn't detected by it).  I had Windows Defender delete the virus (a window asked me what I wanted to do), and then restarted my computer.

So knock on wood, by installing those programs, running scans, deleting any spyware/adware/stuff that was found, it appears to have cleared up the issue.

I've included links to the software, both are free.

I would also recommend what others have said, which is download and use Firefox as often as you can, and set it as your default browser.  Then, use IE only when you need to.