Why are websites allowed to open additional instances of firefox web browser without my permission? This is one step away from webpages infecting my computer.
When logging on to AnimeFreak.tv or Justdubs.net - which are normal anime sites that I have been visiting for years now the following happened:
On occasion a second instance of Firefox opens without my permission and without any warning.
It display an off the wall advertisement. Sometimes it is a regular advertisement, and sometimes it has been adult.
I would appreciate it greatly if in the next upgrade of firefox something can be installed that brings a pop-up giving you the ability to block this if you choose or to make it so that there is an additional check box in security like pop-up blocker called instance blocker or something which would block this sort of action that web pages are taking. This security hole is one step away from a website infecting a computer with a virus. This seems to be something of a new advertising technique as I have only noticed this happening the last week. I have taken a screenshot of one of these instances. It is an advertisement for Gamemazing.com. I don't see a way to include an attachment otherwise I would send the picture as well.
Please help your browser software to become safer then Microsoft IE.
Chosen solution
Those are pop-ups. They can be sent thru the net from a site you are on, or even a program on your system. Add these to your Firefox.
Adblock Plus {web link}
Blocks annoying video ads on YouTube, Facebook ads, banners
and much more. Adblock Plus blocks all annoying ads, and
supports websites by not blocking unobtrusive ads by default (configurable).
Adblock Plus Pop-up Addon {web link}
Adblock Plus Pop-up Addon extends the blocking functionality of
Adblock Plus to those annoying pop-up windows that open on mouse
clicks and other user actions.
All Replies (9)
You could install Adblock Plus with EasyList and EasyPrivacy subscriptions. That will get rid of most of the popups. Fanboy's Annoyance List will also get rid of a lot of the junk.
Hey finitarry,
Thanks for your reply. This sounds like it may work. I will have to research further and test it out. Hopefully it will work.
It just seems strange that the other day I saw a question from a website owner to firefox about asking how it is possible to open a message box and now I am getting these instances of firefox opening without my permission. If you ask me it seems like more of threat then a popup or banner.
Has anyone else noticed this lately with Firefox? This is actually one of the reasons why I left IE as it happens with their software as well.
I personally don't mind banner ads. I have even found other sites I like, but this is something on a whole different scale.
It could be the work of one of your add-ons, or even add / mal-ware. Look thru your add-ons list and make sure you know what each one is and what it does. Also, check the programs that are on your computer
Windows: Start > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs. Mac: Open the "Applications" folder. Linux: Check your user manual.
Go thru the list. If you find something that you don't know what it is, use a web search.
What you call another instance is a Firefox window. You can only run one instance of Firefox on one Profile.
What is on the extra window?
It is an advertisement. The image that I added to this message is one of the "Everybody" Rated advertisements. It occurred a couple more times yesterday as well. I am not sure why Firefox is allowing itself to have another window open and be directed to some random website. God knows I sure wouldn't have approved of this happening if I knew about it before it did it.
The sites responsible for this is AnimeFreak.tv and justdubs.net which are just anime websites. Until recently I haven't had any problems.
later
Ty
Chosen Solution
Those are pop-ups. They can be sent thru the net from a site you are on, or even a program on your system. Add these to your Firefox.
Adblock Plus {web link}
Blocks annoying video ads on YouTube, Facebook ads, banners
and much more. Adblock Plus blocks all annoying ads, and
supports websites by not blocking unobtrusive ads by default (configurable).
Adblock Plus Pop-up Addon {web link}
Adblock Plus Pop-up Addon extends the blocking functionality of
Adblock Plus to those annoying pop-up windows that open on mouse
clicks and other user actions.
Modified by FredMcD
Wow. I had no idea that Firefox could allow this. Maybe it would be good to incorporate the AdBlock Plus directly into a newer version of Firefox so that it is automatically available.
Reminds me of the Security update for IE that for some reason won't update.
Thank you for the information. I will try to have completed come this evening when I have more time to sit at the computer.
Then I will let you guys know if that takes care of the problem once I test the websites again.
later
Ty
Hey guys,
Okay. So far I have installed the AdBlock Plus.
It appears that it has removed that pop-up that seemed to me as an alternate instance. I plan to test it a bit longer before I install the additional AddBlock Plus: Pop Up Add On.
So far we have a solution. If it breaks through in the future I will let you all know.
Thanks again everyone for your help.
Ty