You really should fix the problem (get rid of whatever software is causing the windows to open), rather than the symptoms (getting rid of the windows that popup). However, if you insist on simply treating the symptoms then check out Win32::GuiTest.

- - arden.

Long story short, he ended up using a combination of spyware removal tools. That should do the trick for you. And in the future, be careful what you click. ;)

Hope that helps!

I've been asked this question often by others and although this isn't a perl-answer, being a fellow XP-er (*sigh*), I thought, I should comment. (Perhaps, some monks can take this info and find a perl-solution, as I do not pretend to understand everything about networking.)

The 1st common cause - adware - has been mentioned. The first place I look for these is via the System Configuration Utility (a shortcut to certain registry areas).

Under START->RUN->type: MSCONFIG (hit enter) then click the last tab at the top (STARTUP)

That's a list of all your start-up programs. Viruses, Ad/spyware, etc all like to start, when your pc does -> so, this is usually, where I find many of them. HOWEVER, don't just uncheck all the boxes. Some are required and unchecking them will get you into a world of hurt. Instead, compare what you have with this first.

The second common cause for these problems are the nice "features", which came built in.

In their rush to create the .NET stuff, XP has many networking features built into them. The idea being, (I've heard) that many companies could use these tools to notify employees, when the server might be going offline or something. The problem is that these are active by default for everyone.

Some of these allow people to scan your pc or send you those unwanted pop-ups. It may not have anything to do with adware, but rather, they're just using eXPloits in the system. The most well-known hole has allowed the MS Blaster and the new Sasser to be downloaded remotely (w/out any user involvement). A list can be found here though I don't know, if this it's complete.

XP has a small built-in firewall to help prevent some of this. However, some ISPs may disable this, when you connect. (Earthlink, for one)

Another source of problems are messenger problems (which runs as much as it can, regardless of whether you're using it or not).

In addition, you might want to get a 3rd-party firewall, anti-viral software, and keep your patches updated... in short... it's almost more work trying to keep crap out of an XP-system, than just living with it. :-(

You don't need Perl, you need Ad-Aware

You should also use Firefox to keep from getting spyware in the first place.

Or screw XP and use one of several real OSes :)

You might also consider Spybot Search and Destroy. Like Ad-Aware, it is a free program that is continuly updated with new spyware definitions. Spybot S&D also had some nice features that allow you to kill running processes (and it gives a description of common applications so you can see what apps are required and which are not), prevent some startup processes from running (helpful for disabling the very annoying startup processes such as the Quicktime taskbar agent or other things), a file shreader program (like eraser), an automatic updater, an immunization utility (to prevent spyware from being able to be installed), and a variety of other good tools. This program is a must. Joe

Neat! I'll have to show this to my poor windows using friends :)
Lobster Aliens Are attacking the world!

I had the same problem on XP too! In fact, I had multiple windows popping up with scantily clad women in them! But then I installed Mozilla with its pop-up blocker and all those perverted windows went away!

In addition to the excellent suggestion about spyware removal, you might try looking in the "scheduled programs" settings (or whatever it is called). If it is a scheduled program that has been set up on your computer to run every ten minutes, it might be that the setting to make it run minimized was overlooked during setup.