how to stop self installing programs?

[mrweatherbee66]

i've been having trouble with programs being downloaded and installed automatically. it's always those stupid toolbars or casino games. i've installed a firewall, will this help? also, i've got a popup stopper but i still get those windows popping up asking if i want to install a program. is there a program that will get these to stop as well? thanks.

[RicheemxX]

well to start they don't d/l and install automatically it normally there is a pop-box that you hit first or your submit info to a site and not unchecking the d/l "blah blah toolbar" a firewall will not stop these things from happening it just stops programs from gaining access to the internet without permission and stops intruders. POP-up stoppers are good so is using prgrams like spy-bo and adaware.

[DallasDon]

You can start by going to Tools/Internet options/privacy tab and block all cookies.

Then go to Tools/Internet options/security tab. Click on the "trusted sites" tab, and cut and paste sites you want to vist that must have cookies enabled. Set the security level to this zone to medium. click apply and ok.

Next dl and install one at a time: Spybot Search & Destroy, Adaware, and Spywareblaster.

Links to dls for all three, and more good info, available here:

http://www.doxdesk.com/parasite/

[nomaxim]

Stay away from those kinda websites. lol

I'd also check the activex controls.

[Beemer]

SpyBot's Immunize feature will help with bad downloads.

Cheers!

[elroy]

This is where you need to apply a little common sense. These programs do not install by themselves, you most likely are giving them permission. Remember 95% of the time you download something that is offered through a pop up you are just asking for problems. These programs are being offered for a reason. Nothing ever gets on my pc unless I intentionally install it.

[Beemer]

Not entirely true elroy.
I was browsing around looking for TV space crafts and when I browsed one site I got gator on my system. I'm very careful, like you but I still got it.

Cheers!

[Siliconjunkie]

Unless you turn your IE security settings to low, they WILL NOT install on their own. You clicked Ok or Yes at some point. I have no spyware blockers or any such thing running and I have NEVER gotten any of this junk, and I will surf anywhere and everywhere. pop-ups/unders, full screen garbage, whatever. I run Ad-Aware once a week and all I get are cookies.

[Redwolf]

As stated by Beemer earlier, the Spybot Immunize feature is a godsend:

http://www.safer-networking.org/

[Starfury_2260]

just make sure you update them