1) Have you shut down (not just “restarted” but completely SHUT DOWN) your computer?

2) Have you recently received updates to your Operating System or Virus Protection software? Do those updates take place without you knowing about it?

3) How many “Personal Firewalls” are loaded on your computer? WindowsXP? Symantec/Norton? McAfee? Any others? Are you certain none of them were added/updated/changed recently?

4) What "Toolbars" are loaded on your browser?  Many get installed without you realizing it: Google, Yahoo!, Bing!, - all of these will eventually cause problems with email and we strongly advise you to un-install them.

5) How many "Pop-up blockers" are loaded on your computer?  There is one built into most browsers, but if you have installed any toolbars (see #4), the toolbar likely has it's own built-in "Pop-up blocker" with it's very own settings that will override the settings in your browser.