Stupid Popup Problem
Pegenator
Join Date: 2002-12-21 Member: 11269Members
Join Date: 2002-12-21 Member: 11269Members
in Tech Support
<div class="IPBDescription">Yes, I read the pinned topic at OT</div> I'm having a big problem that's called popups. Every now and then a windows popup comes up and messes up my games. I don't even have to have a browser open, they come out of nowhere!
Like this: I'm playing NS (or HL2 or TS or whatever) and a popup comes up, flashes on the screen because the graphics card tries to render the popup and the game at the same time. As soon as I click my mouse to fire or whatever, I get thrown to Windows, to see the brand spanking new popup that just appeared. They don't contain any images, just text and look like normal Windows error messages (only if I had a screenie...). I think one had a link to www.win-fix.com but I think it's a scammer site.
That brings me to the another part of the problem: I can't return to the game since it was suspended. I used to be able to do that (alt-tab and come back), but not anymore. I don't know why. This happens with all Steam games, even Codename Gordon.
So, practically I have 2 problems: The popups and not being able to go back to the game once its suspended.
I've tried Spybot S&D and Lavasoft Ad-Aware, they didn't help a bit.
I'm using ATI Radeon 9800 Pro with the latest catalysts (I upgraded just before posting this message) and Win XP, no service pack. I'm also using Norton. If you need other specs just ask.
Any suggestions?
* If the mods don't like this topic being in tech support, feel free to phase it to Off-Topic.
Like this: I'm playing NS (or HL2 or TS or whatever) and a popup comes up, flashes on the screen because the graphics card tries to render the popup and the game at the same time. As soon as I click my mouse to fire or whatever, I get thrown to Windows, to see the brand spanking new popup that just appeared. They don't contain any images, just text and look like normal Windows error messages (only if I had a screenie...). I think one had a link to www.win-fix.com but I think it's a scammer site.
That brings me to the another part of the problem: I can't return to the game since it was suspended. I used to be able to do that (alt-tab and come back), but not anymore. I don't know why. This happens with all Steam games, even Codename Gordon.
So, practically I have 2 problems: The popups and not being able to go back to the game once its suspended.
I've tried Spybot S&D and Lavasoft Ad-Aware, they didn't help a bit.
I'm using ATI Radeon 9800 Pro with the latest catalysts (I upgraded just before posting this message) and Win XP, no service pack. I'm also using Norton. If you need other specs just ask.
Any suggestions?
* If the mods don't like this topic being in tech support, feel free to phase it to Off-Topic.
Comments
I believe this is the solution, but I could be wrong:
Control Panel-->Administrative Tools-->Services
Right Click on Messenger
Click on Properties
Set "Startup Type" to "Manual"
Also, if you had a firewall, you wouldn't be getting these sorts of things.
You're not even using SP1 for WinXP? Sounds like you're using an illegal version. If that's the case, your system is wide open, and you need a firewall more than most other people. I suggest Norton Firewall if you don't mind copyright infringement, or you can try one of the free firewalls at tinyapps.org.
Also, you didn't mention if you scanned for viruses. If you don't have antivirus software, I suggest Avast, found at avast.com. The home version is free for home users.
you can install SP1 on an illegal version.
he's getting net sends, it's not any virus. do what theclam said and it should be fixed.