Why oh why do I keep getting IE pop-ups when I feel I have the right anti-virus & spyware enabled? Its also slowing down my system, im just not sure where im going wrong to be honest, anyone????? :(

AV and anti-spyware programs themselves won't block pop-ups or pop-unders. I use Pop Up Cop which does a good job. Also if you still have Messenger installed/enabled you'll get popups.

If you have Service Pack 2 installed it's got a pop-up blocker, if not try the Google toolbar which has one.

"I know that I'm mad - I've always been mad..."

you could also use Mozilla firefox 1.0. it comes with a pop up blocker.

if you upgrade xp to service pack 2, it also comes with an integrated pop up blocker

Some viruses and trojans can tricky little buggers...
Try a virus scan in safe mode after disabling system restore (though you will lose all your restore points...). Remember to enable it after though.
This worked for me. Could also try scanning with a different anti-virus. Trend micro do a pretty decent on-line scan.

http://housecall.trendmicro.com

Also try:
Spybot search and destroy
Ad-Aware SE
Spywareblaster

if you are'nt already. Hell, even give Service Pack 2 a go if you have'nt got it installed, but I'd do some research as to possible repercussions of it first, and see if it suits you beforehand.

Nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something, and if everybody does something, then everything will be done.

the new yahoo messenger has a pop up blocker feature which works great for me.
might as well give it a try

Out--

Sara.

Hi, & thanks to you all! I have MSN messenger installed...

I do feel there is something deeply hidden here however..Can you please tell me the very best spyware & virus checker possible? This is what I have at the moment..Spyblaster, Adaware, Spybot, CWShreddar, All pop-up blockers on, (Im on AOL by the way)Mcafee & Solo virus checkers, think thats it!

By the way I believe I have service pack 2 installed.

I installed Firefox last night too!

Aston, there are several ways to find out if you have SP2 installed. One way is to take a look at the System Properties (ÿ+Pause/Break).

i_XpUser

I agree with Johnr. The Google toolbar is an excellent pop-up blocker. I have no pop-ups at all ever. (Now today, of course, I'll get one.)

Disable Windows Messenger. That will stop a lot. Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Services. Scroll down to Messenger. Right click for properties. Change Startup type to disabled. This has nothing to do with MSN messenger, instant messaging, etc. You don't need it.

Yes, thanks for how to do it! Service pack 2 installed! Just went to disable Messenger & it is already disabled..:( No hope for me..

I find that Spy Sweeper (there is a free 30 day trial version) picks up a lot of spyware that the other program erases. You should also download track eraser that will clear out a lot of history that you can't erase.

Best anti-virus for me (everyone has their favourite) is Kaspersky. It uses quite a lot of resources (not crazy amounts, but a fair few) but is absolutely the best I have found for stopping and finding viruses. Seems to dig up stuff others never detect. They do a free 30 trial so you can see if you like it or not... Personally, I find it better than Mcafee (and Norton, but what isn't?).

I'd recommend only running one anti-virus at a time though (are you running Mcafee AND Solo?) to avoid any conflicts.

Also... get a firewall, something like Zonealarm perhaps, the Windows SP2 firewall isn't that amazing.

Nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something, and if everybody does something, then everything will be done.

Yes, did have them both running! Deleted them both now though. Will download Kaspersky, is it better than AVG??

Found 4 Trojan dialer 12 & one Trojan downloader small dn, all deleted, I smiled, then up came a casino pop-up, I give up! :(

If you are in the Portland, OR \ Vancouer, WA area these guys are great at removing this kind of stuff:

http://www.procomputercare.com/