My pop-up blocker quit working in Windows XP SP2 :(

I recently edited the security settings for the Internet and Intranet zones on my computer. Ever since then my pop-up blocker quit working, regardless of what I am doing to re-instantiate it into avtive duty. Note that I did never explicitly turn it off. All I did was change the defaults for downloading AcitveX controls.

Since then I made sure (and unchecked and checked) the Block pop-ups check box on the Internet Settings dialogs is checked many a times, which is every time I get really disgusted with the pop-ups again. I also clicked the "Default" button a few times ... just in case the first click didn't really do anything. Yes, I rebooted since, too.

Unfortunately, I seem to be the only one documenting this issue. It's not in the KB or the newsgroups.

Has anybody else seen this? Do I need to un-insall and re-install SP2, that's a solution in the same category as rebooting the computer when I was still running Windows 95, just a lot more time consuming. Or should I just go back to the pop-up blocker in the Google bar which I never had problems with?

 

9 Comments

  • Try using a better browser where you can avoid the numerous problems of IE... I suggest Mozilla Firefox and you can say goodbye to pop ups.

  • Funny, I have almost simillar problem even though I didn't change security settings. SP2 block the pop-up windows even though the pop-up blocker is turned off. I tried turnig it on and holding CTRL key but I just don't work. IMHO, Google pop-up blocker does the job better.

  • livinglegend,



    <sarcasm>Your contribution to solving my problem is overwhelming.</sarcasm>



    Even though I really want to avoid any pointless discussion about which one the "better" browser is:



    Unfortunately, you may have to accept that there are a number of scenarios where one needs to have IE.



    Right now, I want the problem solved so I may be able to provide an answer to those who have the same problem. I don't want to lecture others about their choice of browser, neither do I need one. I feel that I am capable to choose the right browser for a given situation. I'm glad though that you're happy with your choice.



    Christoph

  • It won't let me set a breakpoint on SHDOCVW!CPopupMgr::EvaluateNewWindow. I guess I would have to install the symbols first ...



    Isn't there anything EASY to fix this?

  • I'm having the exact same problem today. Did you find a resolution?

  • Now the weirdest thing happened. It just started working again. I'm not sure if it's because I took every opportunity I had to turn it back on (from Security Center, the icon in the status bar, the Tools menu, everything.)



    Or if it's because I rebooted when I was connected to my roaming profile server and got the registry refreshed.



    I can't say I'm happy about this solution. I would much rather provide step-by-step instructions on how to turn it back on.

  • i am not a comp wiz but i have same prob with pop ups. the question i have is.. i have two browsers.(IE and FF) IE is set to block pop up and FF to allow. so would allowing pop up in FF also allow it in IE?

  • I've had XP SP2 for a while and had no problems. Suddenly I started getting all kinds of ads. I still do not know what loaded the software but all my ads had "Favorit" in the header. After much searching I found software for Favorit Network had been added to my computer. I just removed it and hopefully that solves the problem for me. Look for that software on your computer and get rid of it!

  • I use both IE( NOT A LOT) and Mozilla Firefox and have the same problem with both

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