How to Stop Pop Ups Without Pop Up Blocking Software

It's easy to learn how to stop pop ups, and you don't need to download pop up blocking software to get rid of those annoying ads. Just try these easy fixes before downloading a pop up blocker. The first three methods assume you can use the software you already have. It's quick and simple, and you won't need any add-ons with these methods.

It takes only a few minutes to stop pop ups yourself, even if you are not technically oriented. I use Internet Explorer 7 (IE7) or Mozilla Firefox on a Windows Vista computer but these steps should work for any Windows compatible computer (although it may vary some if you have a different version of IE).

Here are four easy and quick ways to stop pop ups on your computer. You can use any one (or more) of these methods to get rid of those pesky pop up ads within minutes.

How to Stop Pop Ups - Method #1: Use Your Settings on Internet Explorer 7

Step 1: On Internet Explorer 7, go to "Tools", then "Internet Options"
Step 2: Click on the "Privacy" tab
Step 3: On the bottom, under "Pop-up Blocker", click the checkbox to "Turn on Pop-up Blocker". Click "Ok".

How to Stop Pop Ups - Method #2: Use a Different Internet Browser (Firefox)

Try using Mozilla Firefox instead of IE because Firefox automatically blocks pop up windows (unlike Explorer). You can download Firefox at http://mozilla.current-version.com.

How to Stop Pop Ups - Method #3: Use Your Web Toolbar

You may already have the Google or MSN toolbar installed on your browser. If you try this approach, you may also want to read my articles on how to stop pop ups with your Google toolbar and MSN toolbar.

How to Stop Pop Ups - Method #4: Download a Paid or Free Pop Up Blocker

If you've tried the above steps, and you're still having issues, then you should consider downloading a pop up blocker program. Two reliable free pop up blockers include the Google toolbar and MSN toolbar. Another popular paid pop up blocker is at http://ivyliu.com/panicware.htm.

For everyday pop up blockers, the above methods should work. However, if you've tried all of these suggestions and you're still having problems with persistent pop-ups, then it's likely that you have been infected with spyware. I will be writing a follow up article on "How to Stop Pop Ups by Removing spyware from Your Computer" which will show you how to do this.

Summary of How to Stop Pop Ups

First, try changing your IE browser settings to block pop ups. If you have Google toolbar or MSN toolbar installed, then you already have a pop up blocker installed along with it. Try using the toolbars, or try switching to the Firefox browser. Finally, you can also download a pop up blocker (free or paid). It's easy to stop pop ups without having to download pop up blockers.

If these steps do not remove your pop ups, then you may want to download a free or paid pop up blocker. If that fails, then you probably are infected with spyware, which must be removed in order to get rid of ad pop ups. But the above four methods should work to stop most pop up windows.