Using the XP SP2 Pop-Up Blocker

If you do happen to run Windows XP, the simplest thing you can do to improve IE's security and block pop-up windows is to install Service Pack 2 (SP2). This massive security update includes a major upgrade to IE.

In XP SP2, when you visit a site that attempts to display a pop-up window, IE displays below the Address Bar a small yellow pane, which is called the Information Bar. This bar reports that a pop-up has been blocked and that you can click the yellow pane to see the pop-up or view additional options. When you click the Information Bar, you'll see the following options: 

	Temporarily Allow Pop-ups. This option will turn off IE's pop-up blocker until you re-enable it.
	Always Allow Pop-ups from This Site. Places the currently visited site into IE's Allowed sites list.
	Settings. Lets you disable the pop-up blocker, change the behavior of the Information Bar, or access the IE Pop-up Blocker Settings dialog.
	Information Bar Help. Displays IE help documents about the Information Bar.