Note: Windows XP users who have upgraded to service pack 2 need to be aware that it includes a new popup blocker in Internet Explorer. You will need to set it up to allow popups from the Vortex Media Group sites.

Here is a list of URL to allow in your hardware\software:

http://ads2.vortexmediagroup.com
http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/N2465.VWVortex.com

http://forums.thecarlounge.net
http://forums.vwvortex.com
http://forums.fourtitude.com
http://forums.subdriven.com
http://forums.triplezoom.com
http://forums.mwerks.com
http://forums.speedarena.com
http://forums.swedespeed.com
http://forums.turbonines.com

http://www.thecarlounge.net
http://www.vwvortex.com
http://www.fourtitude.com
http://www.subdriven.com
http://www.triplezoom.com
http://www.mwerks.com
http://www.speedarena.com
http://www.swedespeed.com
http://www.turbonines.com

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Many of us have software installed on our computers that blocks 'pop-up' windows from appearing when we are viewing websites. Pop-up blockers can be very useful tools for reducing the number of nuisance advertisements that we see, but these tools can also significantly handicap the features and functionality of legitimate websites.

VW Vortex forums uses pop-up technology to display 'Instant Message' windows that appear when another forum user (normally someone that you know, and someone that you want to hear from) sends you an instant message via the forum software. If you have not configured your pop up blocker to allow pop-ups from this domain (forums.vortex.com), then you will never see the replies that people send to your instant messages - nor will you see any instant messages that other forum members send to you.

VW Vortex Forums do not use pop-ups for any other purpose (e.g. advertising). So, I respectfully suggest that you add the domain forums.vortex.com to the list of 'approved exceptions' if you have a pop-up blocker installed.

If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer as your internet browser, click on the TOOLS menu, then hover over 'Pop-up Blocker', and choose 'Pop-up Blocker Settings' from the sub-menu that will appear to the right. See the picture below:

Now, type forums.vortex.com into the blank space at the top, and press ADD. The end result should look like the picture below:

This will prevent Internet Explorer from blocking instant message pop-ups from the Vortex Forums. For what it's worth, there might be other websites that you trust (for example, internet banking or similar) that use pop-up boxes to allow you to enter your username and password, or for other entirely legitimate purposes. If you have been having trouble using such sites... maybe it is because your pop-up blocker is preventing them from functioning as they were designed to do. You can add other sites to the list of approved exceptions in a similar manner.

Lastly - be aware that you might have more than one piece of software on your computer that blocks pop-ups. Virus checkers, firewalls, and even the Google Toolbar all offer pop-up blocking capability. My suggestion to you is that you turn off the pop-up blocking features of all but one application (e.g. Internet Explorer), and then manage your list of sites that you have approved for pop-ups via that one application. Below is an example of the OPTIONS page from the Google Toolbar that I have installed on my computer (as an add-in to Internet Explorer). As you can see, I have not enabled the pop-up blocking capabilities of Google Toolbar, because I already have pop-up blocking provided by Internet Explorer (upper two photos).

Other Applications may also be blocking Instant Message pop-ups...