Computer doing a weird thing where it keeps opening links over and over again

[QueenOfFlamingEverything]

Every now and then, when I follow a link and then close the window it opened in, my computer starts opening multiple windows of the link and the only way to stop it is to turn it off.

Its using windows vista.

Whats this about do you think?

What browser are you using ?

Only ask as Firefox and Opera (and probably Chrome) may block any 'pop up' windows from being made.

Some web sites use JavaScript code so that when you try to close the web browser (either closing the tab or window, or changing to view a different web site), the code notices and creates a new copy of the page you had open.

It is most common where a web site wants to pester users to bookmark the site, or prompting the users to pay money for access (eg on porn sites) or just popping up some advert page.

Some do 'pop under' pages. That's where an advert is opened in a new browser window but it is 'hidden' under the page you are viewing. When you close the web page, on your screen will be the advert page, with no clue as to which web site caused it (if you have skipped from website to website for an hour or two, for example) and closing it may be made awkward by popping up new windows (the way you have found).

Its just Internet Explorer.

It can be any link at all is the thing, not just ones with adverts or pop ups (which are blocked) - today it did it with a link to a book on Amazon. When I closed the window, a few seconds later it opened again and again and again - there were 17 of them by the time I'd shut the computer down.

Forgot to mention - you can usually 'kill' the web browser using the Windows Task Manager.

I don't have Vista but on Windows XP, using either of these key combinations
CTRL + ALT + Delete or CTRL + Shift + Escape

will cause the Windows Task Manager to come on screen. If you highlight the web browser, and click on 'End Program' (it will warn you about losing data - an 'are you sure') it should zap the browser without a new window being opened.

It is generally worth using the power button only for emergencies as a way to shut down the PC. I know you've been forced to, but it risks corrupting the hard drive and causing errors when trying to boot / run Windows. So 'killing' the browser with the Task Manager is probably a better option (or changing your browser, perhaps).

Good luck !

Ah, then have you checked against having some virus or malware ?

You can try (for Free) the Trend Micro 'House Call' scan at housecall.trend-micro.com/ on a Windows PC.

It will download a small piece of software and then may take an hour (depending on size of your hard drive, and how -much- -junk- many files you have) to scan for nasties.

One of my clients once got something nasty on his PC and was convinced the website he was visiting (Villas for rent in Spain) had been hacked. Turned out it was his PC. Each time he clicked a link (any link), he was taken off to some hardcore porn website.

When he rang I checked the same site on my PCs and could see no similar effect. Major pain as he could not get to see the places, but equally didn't want his sons or wife to get an eyeful !