Active tab of browser keeps getting replaced by new tab?

[Cookie]

Whichever browser it is that I’m using, after a while the active tab gets replaced by a new tab, with increasing frequency. And if I close the browser entirely, multiple new windows keep opening. (Happened with Firefox, Chrome and IE).
I tried reinstalling all browsers, even reinstalled windows 7, but no good.
Help?

[Jamey]

Tools>internet options>general>tabs - check your settings.

[Biff]

some websites can be nasty and do these things (infect you, so to speak). make sure your antivirus is up to date and scan your system (full scan). scan your system with a dedicated malware or spyware scanner also (malwarebytes is free). in win 7 (providing you don't use mse antivirus) there is an antispyware program called defender installed. try a scan with it.

install a program to help harden (strengthen) your system (i use winpatrol - it monitors numerous settings on my computer and browser and can prevent changes to those settings. it also has a free version. download ccleaner (also freeware) and allow it to clean out all your temp files etc (careful not to erase your passwords etc). install an antiphishing plugins/extension (mcafee site advisor, bitdefendor traffic light, wot, webutation, netcraft, etc - these are free). i also like the firefox addons (bulldog antivirus, bitdefenfer antivirus) for a quick scan. other notable programs are spywareblaster. use these to make yourself bullet proof.

but, your problem may not be malware related, this could be a pop up window problem. so try addons (ex. Adblock Plus Pop-up or others) and also check your browser settings.

firefox settings: at the top of the firefox window, click on the firefox button and then select options. select the content panel. check "block pop up windows".
under options. under tabs. check "warn me when opening multiple tabs. check "don't load tabs until selected". (https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/pop...-settings)

ie settings: under options, under security, enable protected mode. under privacy, turn on pop up blocker. also, under tools (to make your browser harder to infect), make sure smartscreen filter is on. and enable active x filtering (turn it off if you're viewing a site with flash or something).

chrome: chrome menu, settings, show advanced settings (at bottom), content settings, check "do not allow any site to show pop-ups". furthermore, use similar addons/extensions as mentioned for firefox.

because i love it i'll repeat it, winpatrol is a must. i highly recommend it.

hope that helps.