Popups opening without browser running

where did I see this?

[txbakers]

I remember this post being discussed before, but I can't find it in the search.

Basically - the browser is closed, but HTML pages keep opening up with nasty ads, etc. randomly.

We ran the adware and removed offenders, uninstalled the Windows Messenger (running XP Pro), turned off many startup routines in msconfig, but still get the popups.

Was there an answer to that question?

Thanks.

[fiestagirl]

I did this in XP:
1. Click on the Start button and open the control panel.
2. Open the Performance and Maintenance control panel and go to Administrative Tools.
3. Now double-click on Services, then scroll to Messenger.
4. Double-click Messenger and click Stop to stop the service.
5. Change the startup type to Disable and click Apply at the bottom.
6. Click OK to exit window.