Massive amount of Pop-ups

[MacFalic]

Maybe I did not make myself clear. Maybe you have a bug up your ass at the mention of ad-blocker.
I signed up early. I disabled ad-blocker within minutes!

BEFORE I log on, I get half a dozen pop-ups. So I enabled the pop-up add on. LET ME STRESS. NONE OF THE POP-UPS OR REDIRECTS HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH VAPING, THE FORUM, ITS VENDORS, OR PERSONNEL.

I am only trying to help. Not get flippant answers that are a response to all the shit re: ad-blocker!

In order to log in and post this message, I have had to deal with 7 different pop-ups. I have closed 2 different re-directs. I HAVE HAD AD-BLOCKER DISABLED SINCE FRIDAY!! I only turned on the pop-up add-on to deal with all this crap. I still get everything I have mentioned.

I hope this is more clear. It still is a pain in the ass to navigate this forum. Every time I click a link, try to read, or do anything it sets off a new round of pop-ups. This post is in direct response to both Joe and LucidiousRage claiming NO POP-UPs!

 

[Chris]

.

 

[CaFF]

Hmm, what browser are you using? Are you seeing them everywhere you go, or just here?

If all the time, you likely have a compromised system...browser hijack, some toolbar or fake AV, etc.

Have you tried a scan? This is a good and free product: https://www.malwarebytes.org/

FWIW, I'm using Opera 12.17 as my browser and Avast for AV...no pop-ups, no anti-blocker messages either. ;-)

 

[lordmage]

sounds like a issue on your end my man. most likely a url hook or some other form of malware. i would run a hijackthis scan and malwarebytes and would not hurt to try it in safe mode.

http://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-adware-popup-ads/
http://download.cnet.com/Trend-Micro-HijackThis/3000-8022_4-10227353.html
https://www.malwarebytes.org/

 

[Yves]

I think you have some malware on your computer. I get no pop ups and have only disabled ad blocker for this site as you are saying the pop ups have nothing to do with vaping it makes me think that you have some malware/trojan or similar on your computer.

 

[reflog]

this site has 0 popups. all of us have adblock disabled and suffer from none of this... so... maybe a good cleanup is in order? may i suggest ccleaner or some such proggie?

 

[hitman4274]

No pop ups here either with Adblock+ disabled... As mentioned above I would clean up your system.

 

[Ghostrider]

your computer is infected with a virus\spyware\malware etc. Check yourself before blaming someone else.

 

[Spike64]

your computer is infected with a virus\spyware\malware etc. Check yourself before blaming someone else.

That would be my take on it as well...

 

[cigarbabe]

I hear that some folks are having issues but I myself have only encountered the one asking me to disable adblocker.
I'm sorry you're having issues MacFalic.

 

[KennysManCave]

I have never seen a popup here sense day one. I don't have Ad Blocker. It must be on your end.

 

[MacFalic]

I appreciate all the comments and response to this post. I reposted this topic in direct response to Joe's emailed answer. It was a follows:
"We have it set you cannot use adblocker on this forum. you need to disable adblocker for vaping underground." just to the right of Joe's avatar.

The one thing Joe did not take into consideration: If I had ad-blocker active, I would not receive any of this crap.

I do not have a problem in any other site. I have very good protection as far as malware and/or virus. If anyone doubts this as related to this forum, just look at the topic title above. Directly below said title is a regular stream of non vape related pseudo news and ad lines.

The primary pop-ups I get are related to Java, media player, and flash. All of which are up to date. The redirects open pages from flash to game playing sites.

I stress again; this is the ONLY site that this occurs. It happens on every page and every topic. I can not explain the why, it being only here. Yes I am a member of other forums that have ads. No I don't have any such problems there.

 

[egomama]

You do not need to completely disable adblocker, you just need to disable it for this page.

 

[CaFF]

You do not need to completely disable adblocker, you just need to disable it for this page.

Yup. Took me two clicks in FF30.

1. come here
2. click the ABP pull-down, turn off for this domain only

Done.

 

[aussie]

NO pops for me

 

[VapinChevy]

NO pop ups, and I don't have that blocker thingy lol. I use either Mozilla or Chrome!!! No worries here!!

 

[Fishee]

Just for the record my laptop is packed full of spyware and malware and I have yet to see a single pop up.
Maybe it's all of my spyware and malware that is messing with you.
I'm sorry I gay-ved you a pop up

 

[Alan Woltemath]

that is amazing cause i have gotten 0 popups and i have logged on every day since that start

 

[Chris]

.

 

[MacFalic]

Thank you. Even for the smart ass replies.
For the record, I did not completely disable ad-blocker, only for this site.
If I am to be the asshole for reporting a problem, even though others do not have said problem, so be it. One would think that genuine assistance would better serve than such as the above reply. It really shows the level of community on this forum.

The only person I was upset with was Joe. His answer showed that he did not read my post after the words 'ad-blocker'. Then deleted the post. Nice that.

Even if this is a problem for one person, it deserves a certain level of serious response. Inane banter and flow charts are not only not helpful but purposely insulting. Is this how this forum is to be run? <--Don't answer, I obviously have it already.

If I do find out the cause and solution, I will post it in the hopes of helping anyone else. I would request that unless you have a serious suggestion or possible solution, don't reply.

 

[egomama]

If I do find out the cause and solution, I will post it in the hopes of helping anyone else. I would request that unless you have a serious suggestion or possible solution, don't reply.

Thank you, I am curious what has caused your computer to get the pop ups, when it seems it is not a common problem. Have your run a malware and virus scan just to be safe? (I cant remember if I read that you had)

 

[Sheldon]

@MacFalic
The problem is at your end.

 

[Melvins]

Download this: https://www.malwarebytes.org/antimalware/ run it and then come back and let us know. I'm pretty sure it's your machine and not the forum that's the problem.
I've had zero issues with the site.

 

[MacFalic]

Thank you, but I already have and use Malware Antimalware. It is up to date. It did detect one thing, I quarantined and deleted it. I still got 2 pop-ups here and one failed re-direct. I used a boot disc to run further antivirus and antimalware programs.

I then ran Malware Antimalware again. With it showing clear. I logged on here again. I still got two pop-ups. Malware caught another re-direct and prevented it.

It looks like I will still be seeking the solution. Although the problem is now greatly reduced, if no one else has this problem, I'll keep looking.

 

[VaporJoe]

I get no popups at all.. might want to check your machine.

 

[MacFalic]

Thank you Joe. If you read the post above you. I am. Glad you did not just delete this time.

 

[Ghostrider]

I bet if you log in from another computer....you dont get any popups.

 

[CaFF]

Thank you Joe. If you read the post above you. I am. Glad you did not just delete this time.

Can you take a screenshot of it?

Might help diagnose the issue. And, can tell if it's VU or some other cause.

If you need help with that, I'd be happy to guide ya.
Just don't want to type all that out if you already know how. ;-)

What OS do you use?

Things i use for protection:

(non-resident programs)

http://www.brightfort.com/spywareblaster.html

http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman

That is to manage my HOSTS file, which blocks a LOT of shit. I use the MVPS hosts file as a source only.

This install of win7 has been on since 2/17/2012, never infected.

 

[Eliquidvape]

Hello MacFalic, I think the general thought is that it is an issue on your end. However, I understand how this can be confusing given you have anti-virus and anti-malware software. Unfortunately there are many ways around these safety tactics, and they only need one infection. However, there is a way that we can rule out your machine as a cause if your willing to try it.

1. First restart your PC
2. upon the start-up screen press f8 to enter advanced boot menu (may be different dependent upon your machine, but this is generally the default)
3. boot into safe mode, this will load only the essential drivers and no other programs
4. now try entering VU and see if it still loads pop-ups (you may want to try a mixture of IE and your default browser)

If you still receive pop-ups then it is a server side issue. Simple as that. If you have any questions im happy to help.

 

[CaFF]

Hello MacFalic, I think the general thought is that it is an issue on your end. However, I understand how this can be confusing given you have anti-virus and anti-malware software. Unfortunately there are many ways around these safety tactics, and they only need one infection. However, there is a way that we can rule out your machine as a cause if your willing to try it.

1. First restart your PC
2. upon the start-up screen press f8 to enter advanced boot menu (may be different dependent upon your machine, but this is generally the default)
3. boot into safe mode, this will load only the essential drivers and no other programs
4. now try entering VU and see if it still loads pop-ups (you may want to try a mixture of IE and your default browser)

If you still receive pop-ups then it is a server side issue. Simple as that. If you have any questions im happy to help.

Yes, but that is sound advise from a decade ago.
Malware is much smarter now and usually involves multi-payload and RAT/Rootkits in order to botnet the victim and harvest info...even seen a carding board? It's like Xmas.

1. do not use IE...period.
2. modern rootkits are smart, adaptive and they know every AV out there...AV only is a stopgap.
3. yes, using safe mode is a good precaution...MOST malware can't work in safe mode, so it's better to scan in that mode.

I doubt the OP is that infected however.

 

[Eliquidvape]

Yes, but that is sound advise from a decade ago. Malware is much smarter now.

1. do not use IE...period.
2. modern rootkits are smart, adaptive and they know every AV out there...AV only is a stopgap.
3. yes, using safe mode is a good precaution...MOST malware can't work in safe mode, so it's better to scan in that mode.

I doubt you are that infected however.

Never said to do a scan, as I said there are many ways around them now-a-days, never trust scans as full-proof. As for IE, it is at times useful in safe mode especially for users of FF who may have certain toolbars installed from other programs to ensure the problem isn't an infection in the toolbars them self's. My entire steps list was just a list of how to get into safe mode as you should never assume someone knows what your talking about, after all a majority of people issues with ITs is that they talk in terms that are not easily understood. Now we can give him the ultimate solution of doing a reformat, but honestly that's a bit hasty given there is no actual evidence that he is infected, hence the check into safe mode to confirm.

 

[CaFF]

Never said to do a scan, as I said there are many ways around them now-a-days, never trust scans as full-proof. As for IE, it is at times useful in safe mode especially for users of FF who may have certain toolbars installed from other programs to ensure the problem isn't an infection in the toolbars them self's. My entire steps list was just a list of how to get into safe mode as you should never assume someone knows what your talking about, after all a majority of people issues with ITs is that they talk in terms that are not easily understood. Now we can give him the ultimate solution of doing a reformat, but honestly that's a bit hasty given there is no actual evidence that he is infected, hence the check into safe mode to confirm.

You're right there, we all had the sign taped to the cubicle back when I worked for MS support.... "Did you try Safe Mode?".

IDK, these days, the only defense is offense. Be Proactive.

 

[Eliquidvape]

You're right there, we all had the sign taped to the cubicle back when I worked for MS support.... "Did you try Safe Mode?".

IDK, these days, the only defense is offense. Be Proactive.

Cant agree with that enough lol.

 

[CellWho]

Couple of things...
1st - Did you try the site when you booted of a live CD? Did you still receive the pop-ups?
2nd - Disable your pop-up blocker for all sites for a few hours and surf normally. My guess is you will see the same pop-ups when on other sites. If this is the case, and you didn't receive any pop-ups from the live CD, it must be a localized issue.

Hope this helps.

 

[Frawg]

I've had similar issues in the past with other sites. With the pop-ups open - can you note what they're for, a hoverbar link or a right click copy link URL? There's a few out there that require a specific fix, and that malwarebytes hasn't picked up for a number of months. If you can note the links, sometimes that helps in identifying the culprit causing the issue, and you can google the appropriate fix - which can be either incredibly easy, deleting a file you didn't know you had acquired, or something that takes hours to solve but once it does you're good.

 

[MacFalic]

Thank you Frawg. I will do that. I will compile a list.

 

[SMOKIE]

Maybe I did not make myself clear. Maybe you have a bug up your ass at the mention of ad-blocker.
I signed up early. I disabled ad-blocker within minutes!

BEFORE I log on, I get half a dozen pop-ups. So I enabled the pop-up add on. LET ME STRESS. NONE OF THE POP-UPS OR REDIRECTS HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH VAPING, THE FORUM, ITS VENDORS, OR PERSONNEL.

I am only trying to help. Not get flippant answers that are a response to all the shit re: ad-blocker!

In order to log in and post this message, I have had to deal with 7 different pop-ups. I have closed 2 different re-directs. I HAVE HAD AD-BLOCKER DISABLED SINCE FRIDAY!! I only turned on the pop-up add-on to deal with all this crap. I still get everything I have mentioned.

I hope this is more clear. It still is a pain in the ass to navigate this forum. Every time I click a link, try to read, or do anything it sets off a new round of pop-ups. This post is in direct response to both Joe and LucidiousRage claiming NO POP-UPs!

Dude there are no pop ups on this forum, it is coming from other sites you allowed cookies on, maybe those Porn sites or something!

 

[MacFalic]

Dude there are no pop ups on this forum, it is coming from other sites you allowed cookies on, maybe those Porn sites or something!

Dude, the reply you quoted was in direct response to Joe's rude and ill considered response. If you had read just a bit further down, you would have seen that.

Also further on you may have found Egomama saying that there have been other complaints regarding this.

To top all this off, you offer no assistance only insult! I have already been insulted by Joe. I did not need it from you. Remember Joe's rant = "There are consequences for your actions <expletive>?"

I will have you know that these replies and attitude have not gone unnoticed. I expect an apology from you and Joe. As Joe did the same basic thing that spurred the rant. And you just acted like an asshole. Do I frequent porn sites? How would you know. There are no pop-ups on this forum! Again, I am sure your programming experience is extensive, even so, how would you know? And does that not call one of your own staff a liar?

I have been working with a couple members to find and solve this problem. At least some here are actually willing to help and not compound insult upon insult.

I am so close to 60 as it makes no difference. I have worked with computers and electronics for 42 years. I got along fine before all this crap and will after it.

I await Joe's and your apology, although I won't hold my breath. Just read the entire post to see how the two of you influence other members. Yeah, a good site for vapers. Like an extended family, a dysfunctional family.

 

[elf]

Is there popcorn?

 

[Ghostrider]

 

[Saddletramp1200]

What was the question? Popcorn? Na, It's Thursday, everyone knows it's Do Nut & Ripple day. We don't have any Pop Tarts either.

 

[MacFalic]

Frawg,

I believe the main problem is with a variant of 'Java update' adware. Used ADW and Hitman Pro. That should take care of it.

Thanks.

 

[MacFalic]

I finally am pop-up free. I thank all of you that have helped and given great advice. Problem solved with the aid of extensions, antimalware, anitvirus, and script blocking.

It was indeed a problem on my end. A problem on my end is still a problem. I can not Thank You enough to those that have helped me!

 

[Saddletramp1200]

I worked as a Tech for years. Unless I was in front of a machine the answer could be anything. I told people that called I had lost my ability to see through the phone after the last lightning storm. I never doubted you would figure the problem out. Cudo's

 

[GargoyleK1]

This whole thread is why I no longer use a PC….

Very sorry for your issues.. I can recommend a couple of programs that might help but honestly the easiest way to fix this is to start googling how to fix the registry in windows. Once you get a grasp of that fixing the adware is easy… Here is some of the better software solutions I know of…

http://www.malwarebytes.org <— highly suggest you get this ASAP.

http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner <— more of a maintenance program

 

[Saddletramp1200]

This whole thread is why I no longer use a PC….

Very sorry for your issues.. I can recommend a couple of programs that might help but honestly the easiest way to fix this is to start googling how to fix the registry in windows. Once you get a grasp of that fixing the adware is easy… Here is some of the better software solutions I know of…

http://www.malwarebytes.org <— highly suggest you get this ASAP.

http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner <— more of a maintenance program

I bought Malwarebytes yesterday. 24.95 is a big piece of mind for a year. Some may say different but Microsoft Essentials is as good as Trend, or anything else I have seen, & it's Free. Virus rate is less than 2% now days.

 

[GargoyleK1]

I have actually found Avast to be a pretty good piece of software for all things virus, etc.. related. But I can't bring myself to ever purchase another windows equipped machine.

But from what I have read essentials seems to work pretty well.

 

[Saddletramp1200]

It's Ford & Chevy. Apple is great, Pc's are great. I started with a Commodore C64. Damn I'm old.

 

[GargoyleK1]

I started with a TRS-80

Yeah I'll wait while you look that up…

 

[Saddletramp1200]

I started with a TRS-80

Yeah I'll wait while you look that up…

Rat Shacks finest hour. XT AT 4088/ LOL I had the 11th copy of DOS 3.0 No wonder when I fart, Dust comes out.