Is there any way to block unwanted advertisement emails? I am tired of the porn sites, as well.
Thank you,
Kathryn Klenk

Spam is a universal problem on the WEB. It has risen to the point that more then half all e-mail traffic is Spam. There are some tools you can use, but nothing is 100% effective. Check cauce.org for Spam fighting tips.

Scott, I appreciate your answer and I got into the cauce.org site, to find no information at all about how to get rid of the "spamming". What information was there, I couldn't read because of the small font that was used. I can't even read most of it. Can you give me more information about what else I might do. I am desperate to find a solution. I did send the information to my representative in Congress, anyway.
Thanks for trying to help
Kathryn Klenk
[email protected]

Well, first, if the font on a site is too small, you can enlarge it. Go to View>Text Size on the menu.

Second there is an Other Resources link on the main page that lists several sites on fighting spam.

Thanks so much, Scott. I realize there isn't much I can do that is free, and have no guarantee that the ones that cost really are effective. I am going through all the sites you suggested and always appreciate your help.
Kathryn Klenk
[email protected]

kathryn:

Depending on how access your email (via the web or an email client, such as Outlook Express), there might be a solution.

I use MailWasher Pro which allows me to bounce and delete spam before it ever gets loaded onto my PC. There is still a freeware version that's still available; I recommend it highly. Go to http://www.mailwasher.net/download.php to download the free version.

The key to avoicing spam, is to be very selective about what you sign up for, and with whom. The very first thing you should do, when visiting a new site that requests personal information, is read their Privacy Policy and/or TOS (Terms of Service). Any language which discusses allowing 3rd party cookies or tracking of your web surfing habits is bad news.

I highly recommend MailWasher; it's one of my cadre of "can't go on the web without this" programs - along with a pop-up/pop-under stopper, cookie killer, anti browser hijacker and firewall.

Scott, I am sorry to be such a dummy, but I do use Outlook Express 6 and have downloaded the free version of MailWasher, as you suggested, but simply can't learn how to use it. Their instructions do not explain how to put in the Accounts. Can you give me simpler instructions that an 83 year old lady can understand? You have been so helpful and I appreciate your patience so very much.

Thank you,
Kathryn

kathryn:

I know MailWasher like the back of my hand and will be happy to post detailed instructions later today. I'm at work right now, and don't have all my "tools" and information at hand. LOL

If you'd like, you can check my profile and email me. I will get back to you by this evening. I also had a little difficulty when I first set it up, but I've had it so long, I'd forgotten about it.

Have almost figured it out, but still need added instructions. I am not in a hurry and just send them when you have the time. Actually, you have taken up enough time with this problem, but I would appreciate added instructions. What is your name. Whenever I use AskMe, I would like to communicate with you, for you have been more helpful and patient then anyone has ever been. My sincere thanks.
Kathryn Klenk :-*

Thank you for your kind words, kathryn.

What problem, exactly, are you having with setting up MailWasher? Since I'm using the Pro version, it may not be exactly the same.

I'm not sure it it offers the option to import your settings from OE (Outlook Express); if it does, you should try that feature.

If not, you can do it manually.

• Open OE
  Click on Tools > Accounts...
  Click on the Mail tab (I'm running WinXP, so yours may be just a bit different)
  Click on your account name
  Click on Properties
  Click on the General tab.

• Open MailWasher.
  Click on Tools > Accounts.
  Click on Add (if you've already added your account, click on Properties, instead).
  Click on the PoP3, or Hotmail, radio button (circle)
  Click on the OK button.
  Type in a short descriptive name in the Mail Account tab.
  Click the Include this account... box at the bottom left.
  Click on the Incoming Mail tab.
  Go back to OE and click on the Servers tab
  Copy and paste the information in the Incoming Mail (POP3) window, from OE, into the corresponding window in MailWasher.
  Type in your email address and password, and check the remember password box if you'd like.
  Click on the Bouncing and outgoing mail tab.
  Type in your email address, again in the top window.
  Copy and paste the information in the Outgoing Mail (SMTP) window, from OE, into the corresponding window (SMTP server address) in MailWasher.
  Check the Enable bouncing... box at the top left.
  Click the OK button

If, for some reason, it still doesn't work, try the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page at MailWasher: http://www.mailwasher.net/faq.php

There are a couple of situations where you won't be able to configure MailWasher:

• If you have DSL, you'll need the MailWasher Pro version.
  If you use MSN, you'll also need the MailWasher Pro version. The regular version does, however, support Hotmail.

Since I don't know exactly what problems you're having, you may want to check the FAQs, first, then post back with more specific information about your problem(s).

Good luck, and post back if you need more help; I'm happy to do it.

Rose

For $20 bucks you can use a much better program called spam inspector... http://www.giantcompany.com/ It's a great program I personally have used both mailwasher and spam inspector and spam inspector is a much more user friendly program..

Thanks Cyrus:

I'll check it out. I got my MailWasher a long time ago, made a tiny donation and got the Pro version for free. I've been quite happy with it, but I'm always on the lookout for new and better tools to add to my arsenal.

Rose

I simply cannot tell each of you how much I appreciate your taking the time to send me so much information. I have installed MailWash on my Outlook Express6 and an very pleased with it, since I learned how to use it. Rose, if I get dissatisfied with it, I am saving the site you gave me for a program I might like. I haven't tried the MailWasher Pro because I didn't know the advantage that would give me over the free MailWasher.
Again SO many thanks for your help. I just love all you guys!!
Kathryn Klenk
[email protected]

kathryn:

One point about MailWasher: In order for it to be most effective, you need to make sure you start it first, BEFORE you open your email client (Outlook Express, in your case). You should have (you can do this by clicking on Tools > Options) MailWasher set to open OE after you process your emails (booting and deleting all the spam).

The Pro version, available at http://www.firetrust.com/?PHPSESSID=...e67a86e710ae28 offers additional configurations (which I needed for my DSL service, with my particular ISP) and a year's worth of support and upgrades. Their support staff is really outstanding, by the way.

The free version, which you have, may suit you just fine if you aren't a power emailer (I have 10 email accounts for various purposes... don't laugh ;)).


CyRus:

I downloaded and tried out Spam Inspector; it looks like a great product, but I really prefer MailWasher's separate utility. It's probably because I'm so used to it, and, since I was there when they were still "little guys", I get lifetime support and upgrades - I won't have to re-up after a year. They've really been super people to deal with.

If I didn't already have MailWasher Pro, I'd be really happy with Spam Inspector. Thanks for the link.

Rose