windows xp

You may have a virus or malware infection. Run Spybot S&D http://www.safer-networking.org and download a free virus scanner http://free.grisoft.com to scan your machine. Update fully, then run the scans in safe mode (F8 on startup right after BIOS splash screen, choose safe mode)

Just a side note, you may end up having to rebuild if the infection is too bad.

This may not be a cure, but is worth attempting - download and install TweakUI for XP from Microsoft:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx

Once installed, open the Group Policy Editor, and navigate as follows:

User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Internet Explorer.

There are two items you can edit/modify:

1) Turn off pop-up management
2) Pop-up allow list

If this works for you, it would be the simplest fix.

Rick/Portland, OR