Stop those pop-ups

I think one of the most common questions I get asked is “How can I disable those annoying pop-ups on my new Vista Computer?” In fairness there are usually a few four letter words thrown into these sentences as well.

It tends to happen on OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) machines – that is those that have been produced by some anonymous factory somewhere, with Vista and all settings pre-installed. It is then badged with any one of dozens of global brands and sold to you by your local dealer.

Why it happens

Most pre-installed OEM Vista Computers have certain tasks set to repeat themselves, at a pre-set time interval. While most are really useful, the temptation for the original equipment manufacturer is always to squeeze a bit of commission out of you by getting you to buy other stuff from ‘commercial partners’ of theirs, through affiliate deals.  You can try all the obvious stuff, but they don’t want you to get rid of it, so they hide it away..

What sort of pop-ups are usual?

It could be the annoying Easy Internet Sign-Up pop-up which pops up every half an hour, when you are connected to the internet, or the pop up for extended warranty programs or virus protection some such thing!

How to get rid of it

You may not find anything in the add remove programs. And even if you delete the program folder, you may still find it annoying you !

The place to look for is under HIDDEN SCHEDULED TASKS !

Log in as an Administrator > Start Menu > Control Panel > All programs > Accessories > System Tools > Task Scheduler.

On RHS, Under Actions > View > Select Show Hidden Task.

Search for the task under Active Tasks and double click on it. A new window will open.

On the RHS you will see the option to Disable the Task ! For example, if its the Easy Internet Sign-Up pop up which is irritating you, you will want to disable “InternetServiceOffers” ! You can disable any unwanted or annoying task this way.