Can't stop random safari pop-up/wordpress widget

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Can't stop random safari pop-up/wordpress widget

I am using a 2009 iMac running Mavericks. This problem happens several times daily. If I'm using Safari, a tab pops up and a web page is displayed, all blank white except for the message "no hotlinking please." If I'm not using Safari, Safari opens up and displays this. I don't even know what it means! The title in the tab says "wordpress.com widget"

I was unable to post the screenshot due to content, but I found one someone else posted to Yahoo Answers here.

http://wpcomwidgets.com/?src=www.youtube.com%2Fv%2FbITl3lmbWb8%3Fhl%3Den_US&widt h=255&height=155&quality=high&wmode=transparent&allowfullscreen=true&_tag=gigya& _hash=1d52f5d819f8ef0e52c4b33dec3a10aa

Why is this happening? How do I stop this from happening?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Jun 6, 2014 7:38 PM

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Answer 1

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,739 points

Jun 6, 2014 10:19 PM in response to Steven3694

From the Safari menu bar, select

Safari ▹ Preferences... ▹ Extensions

Turn all extensions OFF and test. If the problem is resolved, turn extensions back ON and then disable them one or a few at a time until you find the culprit.

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Answer 2

Steven3694 Author

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Jun 8, 2014 7:48 AM in response to Linc Davis

Thanks I tried it. It didn't resolve the problem. It looks like something malware would do. DOES ANYBODY KNOW HOW TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS?

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Answer 3

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,739 points

Jun 8, 2014 9:04 AM in response to Steven3694

This procedure will reset your Dashboard configuration to the default.

Back up all data.

Please triple-click anywhere in the line below on this page to select it:

defaults delete com.apple.dashboard layer-gadgets && killall Dock

Copy the selected text to the Clipboard by pressing the key combination command-C.

Launch the built-in Terminal application in any of the following ways:

☞ Enter the first few letters of its name into a Spotlight search. Select it in the results (it should be at the top.)

☞ In the Finder, select Go ▹ Utilities from the menu bar, or press the key combination shift-command-U. The application is in the folder that opens.

☞ Open LaunchPad. Click Utilities, then Terminal in the icon grid.

Paste into the Terminal window by pressing the key combination command-V. I've tested these instructions only with the Safari web browser. If you use another browser, you may have to press the return key after pasting.

Wait for a new line ending in a dollar sign ($) to appear below what you entered. You can then quit Terminal. Test.

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Answer 4

Steven3694 Author

Level 1

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Jun 8, 2014 3:58 PM in response to Linc Davis

I applied the dock reset command to Terminal, Linc Davis. I will let you know if it happens again.

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Answer 5

Steven3694 Author

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Jun 28, 2014 3:11 AM in response to Linc Davis

That seems to have done the trick, Linc. What does this tell us about the problem?

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Answer 6

Feb 15, 2016 10:05 AM in response to Linc Davis

Linc

Where/How can I find clipboard?

I went to terminal but apparently didn't type the correct phrase. I got to the $, but still have a storm of wordpress.com widget, almost 6 times/minute.

I run SnowLeopard 10.6.8 and use Firefox 44.02 browser. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thought I had an answer, but I was wrong.

Thank you.

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Answer 7

Eric Root

Level 10

685,257 points

Feb 16, 2016 7:50 AM in response to komplikated

You might want to consider starting a new discussion. Since this one is marked solved, less people are likely to look at it. You can link to this one.

Copy and paste the command or triple click it and paste it into Terminal.

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