Pop -Ups!

I have alot of pop-ups and latly when I try to close them it will lock up my PC. In the past I have reformated the hard drive and reinstalled windows. Then my PC runs like a new one for about a year, is this normal? I have a pop-up blocker installed and it seemed to help for awhile. I reformat my hard drive once a year around January, I was told this is normal if you want your PC to run well!

Thanks!

 

If you have a pop-up blocker and you're still getting alot of pop-ups, it's not doing it's job! Go to Gorilla if you truly want to block pop-ups, but be warned, it could block sites that you want to go to and cause you to see white boxes with a red X on some pages (ads being blocked).
See this thread. As for reformatting once a year, I have a laptop that's still running 'fine' on a 1997 install with only an overlay of windows (due to me deleting things I shouldn't have).

Do you have spyware removal utilities or registry cleaners installed?
Do you have a good antivirus program installed, keep it updated and scan regularly?
Do you do routine maintenance? ie;defrag, delete temporary internet files, clear cookies, etc.


Edit
Sorry about the repeat suggestions. Obviously I not only type slow, I have alot of distractions, as there were no other replies when I started. (And there are 10 minutes between mine and PeteC's!! )

 

I'm thinking the spyware is important, 2 good ones are Spybot and Ad-Ware, do a search for those and they are free. Definitely stay away from Comet, Gator, and Hotbar. I play with Incredimail every once in a while and had spybot remove the advertizing stuff. Cyn

 

Spyware Program

Thanks Pete C.

That seemed to help very well, My PC is running better already. These are very easy programs to use!!
Thanks!