Weird browser problem

[TKR99]

I'm running both Firefox 7 & IE 9 on Windows 7 (Pro) and have recently run into a strange problem when I'm using both browsers at the same time. Because of some Java issues (I think) in FF, I've had to use IE to watch my TV catchup, so sometimes have each one sitting on a separate tab (BBC/Ch4/Ch5). But what invariably happens is that when I stop a programme, & then switch to FF to do some other browsing, after a period of time & often without me anywhere near the PC at all, the programme (most usually IPlayer) starts running all of its own accord.

I stop it but leave the tab still open but move to make a different tab the focus, come out of it again, minimize the programme etc & go back to whatever else I wanted to do only to have it happen again a short time later. I can find no rhyme or reason for it doing this & have never come across any programme that could start itself up without any input from the user unless through some automation which I don't have.

Open programmes are Outlook, Win media player, Itunes, IE & Firefox. I don't have anything running on scheduled & unlike FF there's no facility I've found to refresh a tab automatically in IE.

Just a very unusual problem so wondering if anyone has any ideas on a likely possible cause?
Thanks

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you are experiencing an unusual issue with your browsers where a program, like BBC iPlayer, starts running on its own accord even when you're not interacting with it. This behavior can be quite puzzling, especially when you are using Firefox and Internet Explorer simultaneously on Windows 7. Here are a few troubleshooting steps and recommendations to help identify and resolve this issue: 1. Check for Browser Extensions: - In Firefox, check for any extensions that might be causing unexpected behavior. Disable or remove any extensions that you suspect could be related to this issue. - Similarly, in Internet Explorer, ensure that there are no unwanted toolbars or extensions installed that could be triggering the auto-play behavior. 2. Update Java and Plugins: - Make sure you have the latest version of Java installed on your system. Outdated Java plugins can sometimes lead to unexpected behavior in browsers. - Verify that your Adobe Flash Player and other plugins are also up-to-date in both Firefox and Internet Explorer. 3. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: - Clear the cache and cookies in both Firefox and Internet Explorer to rule out any issues related to stored data causing conflicts. 4. Disable Auto-Refresh and Auto-Play: - In Firefox, ensure that auto-refresh settings for tabs are disabled. You can do this by typing "about:config" in the address bar and modifying the settings related to tab refreshing. - For Internet Explorer, check if any websites have permissions to auto-play content, and adjust these settings if needed. 5. Security Software Check: - Scan your system for malware and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that could be causing these auto-play issues. Use trusted antivirus software to perform a thorough scan. 6. Monitor System Processes: - Keep an eye on the Task Manager to see if any unusual processes are running in the background when the auto-play behavior occurs. This can help identify any hidden programs causing the issue. 7. Update Browsers: - Ensure that both Firefox 7 and Internet Explorer 9 are updated to the latest versions. Older browser versions may have security vulnerabilities or bugs that could lead to unexpected behavior. 8. Browser Settings: - Review the settings in both browsers, especially those related to media playback and permissions. Adjust settings related to media autoplay and notifications. By following these steps, you should be able to narrow down the source of this auto-play issue and take appropriate action to resolve it. If the problem persists, you may also consider using a different browser or seeking further assistance from technical support forums or the browser developers.