BleepingComputer.com: Tracking Cookies Ugh!

Hey Guys. I just have some questions about tracking cookies.
I have to scan my computer at least once a week cuz it always finds a bunch of tracking cookies. Its obvious that they are there cuz I'll type something and bunch of ads will show up relating to what i typed or visited. Its annoying. I've scanned for spyware although I'm not sure if I did a signicant job. I've posted hijack logs and so far no ones found any malware...so i don't know. But these tracking cookies just bother me. Can anyone tell me a bit about them and what I can do to stop so many from getting onto my computer.
I've already set my privacy level to medium high but it doesn't seem to stop these third party cookies.

Have you read Cookies - A Complete Guide?
Which browser are you using?

I just use Internet Explorer.

Quote: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/cookies.htm
Editors Note: I have yet to find a site where 3rd party cookies are required to be able to access the desired site. "Tracking Cookies" as those listed in Ad-Aware and SpyBot can be effectively blocked by blocking all Third-party Cookies and I would also recommend adding those servers to the "Restricted Zone".

I would follow his suggestion for setting cookie control with one exception---set first party to prompt or allow or you will be constantly looking up the cookie you blocked but need.

Okay Thanks, I customized my privacy settings to block third party cookies. thanks

OKAY...so even with blocking all third party cookies I still am finding at least 30 tracking cookies each time i scan. It didn't really work did it.

Have you considered using Firefox?
It gives you a lot more control over cookies, and pop-ups.

Uh, it works for me and anyone else that sets their options correctly. Of course, the first time you scan after changing the settings to block third party cookies, you will still see the ones that were on your computer before you blocked the third party cookies.
Sites you visit will set first party cookies (not just one cookie either--some will set a dozen or more) unless you block or make them ask to be allowed to set a first party cookie. First party cookies generally have the name of the site you are visiting.

I don't mean to jump into someone elses thread, but how do you do the Block/Prompt for 1st Party, Block 3rd Party in Firefox the same as mentioned above for IE7.

I only use IE7 for updates. I use Firefox all the time for internet etc but find that I get the same cookies time and time again as mentioned by the original poster. I have followed the advice given fir IE7 but would like to do the same for Firefox.

Explains how to edit Firefox to block ALL third party cookies
http://www.bobulous.org.uk/misc/third-party-cookies.html

One extension for cookie handling. I haven't used any of them. I am still using l.5 though I will probably have to install 2.0 later this month as the last I read 1.5 support is ending.
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/44