Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Why can I not prohibit annoying pop-ups?

  • 8 replies
  • 16 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by JD_Straw

more options

Almost every new tab opened brings two unwanted and annoying pop-up ads even though I have specified "Block Pop Up Windows" in Options. One is about 3 inches square in the lower right corner and is usually a video ad. The other is about 1 inch by 10 inches at the bottom of the screen. They do not seem to be related to any particular web sites. How do I prevent these?

Almost every new tab opened brings two unwanted and annoying pop-up ads even though I have specified "Block Pop Up Windows" in Options. One is about 3 inches square in the lower right corner and is usually a video ad. The other is about 1 inch by 10 inches at the bottom of the screen. They do not seem to be related to any particular web sites. How do I prevent these?

Chosen solution

I thank you for taking time to try to help me. I'm not as computer savvy as I'd like to be and certainly not enough to do this, but again, I thank you. It is one of the most annoying things because it pops up unexpectedly and it make several loud sounds 1 sound for each pop up. I have not ever, EVER, had this to happen on IE or on Palemoon, so what I plan to do is just stop using Firefox and that will eliminate the problem. I don't like having to mute my sound as I surf the Internet, as there are times when I'm here just for pulling up various movies or other videos and I want to be able to hear them without this irritating annoyance. I've had Firefox in the past but never on ANY computer or laptop have I had this to happen. It just may be the version of Firefox that is causing the problem.

Again, thank you for trying to help me.

(Sincerely, non-computer savvy senior)

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (8)

more options

hello, this sounds like a problem possibly caused by adware/malware on your pc. please go to firefox > addons > extensions & remove any suspicious entries (toolbars, things that you have not installed intentionally, don't know what purpose they serve, etc). also go to the windows control panel / programs and remove all toolbars or potentially unwanted software from there and run a full scan of your system with the security software that you have in place and different other tools like the free version of malwarebytes & adwcleaner.

Remove a toolbar that has taken over your Firefox search or home page Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware

more options

Been there, done that. Does not help.

more options

Try the Firefox SafeMode to see how it works there.
A troubleshooting mode, which disables most Add-ons.
Troubleshoot Firefox issues using Firefox SafeMode

When in Safe Mode...

  • The status of plug-ins is not affected.
  • Custom preferences are not affected.
  • All extensions are disabled.
  • The default theme is used, without a persona.
  • userChrome.css and userContent.css are ignored.
  • The default toolbar layout is used.
  • The JIT Javascript compiler is disabled.
  • Hardware acceleration is disabled.


  • You can open the Firefox 15.0+ SafeMode by holding the Shft key when you use the Firefox desktop or Start menu shortcut.
  • Or use the Help menu item, click on Restart with Add-ons Disabled... while Firefox is running.


To exit the Firefox Safe Mode, just close Firefox and wait a few seconds before using the Firefox shortcut (without the Shft key) to open it again.


If it is good in the Firefox SafeMode, your problem is probably caused by an extension, and you need to figure out which one.
http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/troubleshooting+extensions+and+themes
Or it might be caused by Hardware Acceleration.

When you figure out what is causing that, please let us know. It might help other user's who have that problem.

more options

I found the problem: Webconnect Don't know how I got it in the first place.

more options

What is webconnect. I'm having those annoying LOUD SWF pop-ups every time I go to a site that has a video as well and it is a mess! The noise it makes when it pops up cannot be controlled unless I mute my sound and I don't like to do that. If webconnect is a possible cause, then please let me know what it is and how to get rid of it or control it, one or the other. Thanks!

more options

Hi JD_Straw, could you try Firefox's Safe Mode? That's a standard diagnostic tool to bypass interference by extensions (and some custom settings). More info: Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode.

You can restart Firefox in Safe Mode using

Help > Restart with Add-ons Disabled (Flash Player will still work)

In the dialog, click "Start in Safe Mode" (not Reset)

Any difference?

more options

Chosen Solution

I thank you for taking time to try to help me. I'm not as computer savvy as I'd like to be and certainly not enough to do this, but again, I thank you. It is one of the most annoying things because it pops up unexpectedly and it make several loud sounds 1 sound for each pop up. I have not ever, EVER, had this to happen on IE or on Palemoon, so what I plan to do is just stop using Firefox and that will eliminate the problem. I don't like having to mute my sound as I surf the Internet, as there are times when I'm here just for pulling up various movies or other videos and I want to be able to hear them without this irritating annoyance. I've had Firefox in the past but never on ANY computer or laptop have I had this to happen. It just may be the version of Firefox that is causing the problem.

Again, thank you for trying to help me.

(Sincerely, non-computer savvy senior)

more options

If I try to resolve this using your instructions, rather than deleting Foxfire altogether, I'll come back and let you know and to thank you again.

The best to you!