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Yahoo, Microsoft, Amazon.com, google and many others have created tool bar programs which can be added to internet explorer by installing a simple software package. These “toolbars” are supposed to have various functions that can help you out as well as block popup and advertising messages. However, some tools bars like amazon.com’s alexa toolbar is a mild piece of spyware that reports back to amazon.com what your surfing habits are, then blocks all pop ups other than the ones it generates itself showing you the adds or customized amazon sites suited to what you might buy.

There is no such thing as a free lunch when trying to stop pop up, a commercial ad ware remover is a good idea. Adaware Personal SE is free but has extra version which you can buy that will stop adds getting in without having to regularly scan the computer.