OK, So now I've read the thread, bear with me, this may get technical. IE 6.0 (security patched) Tools-> Internet Options-> Privacy Setting: (Medium) "-Block third part cookies that do not have a compact privacy policy. -Block third party cookies that use personaly identifiable information without your implicit consent. -Block first party cookies that use personaly identifiable information without your implicit consent." Tools-> Internet Options-> Security. Internet: (custom level) DL + Run, Signed activeX controls enabled Script controls marked as safe, enabled unsigned & "unsafe" activeX disabled Java VM (High Safety) Software chanel permissions (Medium) Active scripting enabled script java applets enabled Navigate sub-frames across different domains, prompt Launch programs and files in Iframes, prompt Install desktop Items, prompt display mixed content, prompt Norton anti-virus corporate: version 7.50.846 scan engine 4.1.0.6 Virus defs file: 40213av 13 Feb 2002 (current) NAV Realtime protection enabled on Accessed or Modified, (scan on Create, Open, Move, Copy or Run) Bloodhound(TM) Heuristics virus detection technology enabled. Backup first, then repair/quarantine for both macros and non macro viruses. And now the meat :) Cookies are a fact of life, no cookies, no Hotmail, (amongst other things.) I have a shortcut to my "temporary internet items" on my desktop, I empty it manually every evening, including cookies. At no point, during yesterday or today, having visited both the uzilite "pointer" page and the tripod download page, did I get any popups. My browser is setup as defined above, I'm going directly through the firewall instead of through the web-cache like I'm supposed to. I have no other blocking software, and the firewall doesn't scan incoming traffic, that's handled at the desktop level by Norton. Both IE 6.0, and the consumer (3 month trial) version of Norton, that makes use of the same virus defs I use, are available for public download both from their respective companies, and from download.com. (The OEM version of Norton came preinstalled on my laptop direct from the factory.) This is pretty much a base spec, for "safe" computing in this day and age. Netscape only yesterday advised users to upgrade to the latest point release of thier software that fixes a significant security flaw. You are responsible for your own security, if you don't, can't or won't accept cookies, face the facts that a good 60-70% of the "public" internet is closed to you. Including all search engines, portal sites, and commercial web sites, that rely on cookies to track site usage and monitor returning visitors/customers for ad traffic, etc. You take your life in your hands when you venture off your own private subnet/computer, just as you do when you walk out of your own door. You computer literacy and/or lack of same is your responsibility, not that of the computer manufacturer, OS provider, site designer, or elected official. Just as it your responsibility to be aware of your surroundings outside of your door. It is not the job of the police to escort you to your car, and then drive you in convoy to your selected destination. If you are unable or unsure of how to configure your computer consult a professional, just as you would get a police/private appraisal of the state of your home secuurity. From a legal standpoint, accessing a web site, means the implicit acceptance of their online business practices, since accessing their site is an entirely volutary act on your part, including by accident and/or ommission. Such is the nature of the "connected" internet. Sites are neither required to have, or bound by any "privacy policy" they may have. Just as they are not required to maintain adequate security, except where mandated by goverment legislation. Such as the SEC mandated security statement for all publicly quoted companies that maintain a computer system. Outside of these requirements, security and privacy function as a result of the free market economy. Basically, if somebody puts a stack of hats on a pole and surrounds that with barbed wire and sharks, then places a sign in front saying "free hat", you download the hat at your own risk... later jb