Question:
Why suddenly pop ups?

Does anyone know why all of a sudden I am getting pop ups when I come to this site? It has always been wonderful to not have to deal with them when researching and reading. Just this week, I have seen pop ups... One about a Sony Camcorder and another MSN information page on weightloss?? I get these same two when I go just to this site. Does anyone know why? Do the site sponsors get a fee? I always thought that they prided themselves on NOT allowing/accepting pop ups? Thanks Shelley    — Shelley. (posted on May 30, 2004)

May 30, 2004
I dont know WHY, but I am getting the pop-ups too and they are driving me NUTS!
   — Valerie03

May 30, 2004
It seems to be a Microsoft thing with IE, I use Netscape and use the built in popup blocker. Works very well.
   — nrowe46

May 30, 2004
These are not coming from, or sponsored by, Obesityhelp. You've managed to install a spyware/adware program on your computer. There are free tools available to help you get rid of these. Generally avoid filling out "surveys" or agreeing to download plug-ins unless you really, really know who you're dealing with.
   — Jim F

May 30, 2004
As they said above, it's possible you have spyware on your computer. But, it's also possible if you delete your temporary Internet files and cookies, the popups will stop (Tools > Internet Options > Delete Files and then Delete Cookies). Please note...in deleting the cookies, if you have any personalized pages (ex, Yahoo, MSNBC, etc), you will be required to log in again on these sites so your settings can be restored. If you want a popup blocker, I recommend 12Ghosts. It's free and does the job for me. Hope this helps-
   — Evangeline H.

May 30, 2004
I keep a pretty tight lockdown on my computer. I do not get pop-up ads when coming to this site. Do a google search for Adaware and/or Spybot. They are the two best free spyware programs out there right now. Install and run, you will be surprised how much it will find on your computer. <br><br>You can get spyware just by visiting a website. You don't have to download anything. It will track what sites you go to, some even track who you send emails too. They use this information to target popups to what they think you would be interested in. (and those that you email) Scary, eh?<br>I have both of those programs running on my computer. I think it's spybot that informs me everythime I hit a site that is trying to load spyware and asks me if I want to block it. Again, you would be surprised what sites do this.
   — RebeccaP

May 30, 2004
Around six months ago while visiting this site I kept getting pop ups. I did'nt think this site would do it, but it was really bad. I got tons of "lose weight quick scams" while visiting THIS site. Anyway as the others have said IT IS SPYWARE. You can get it about anyplace, even on $10 software you buy in stores. As far as pop up adds, I run POP UP STOPPER (free). I would like to try the ghost one someone mentioned though. As far as getting rid of spyware it is hard to find free ones. Right now I'm running three different spyware removers, Webroot Spy Sweeper, Adware, and Spyware Killer that I bought at Walmart for $6. They seem to be doing the trick.
   — Danmark

May 31, 2004
Spyware can easily get in your computer if you're not careful about what you open and what you click on. CNET has a freeware program that's not bad for getting rid of it. It's named SPYBOT.
   — Cathy S.