When you maximize the window, as Zeroth suggested, instead of using the X to exit, go to File, and select Close; the next time you open IE, it should come up full-screen.

Zeroth, to expand a bit on what Catweazle said here, instead of closing popups with the X (which some use to 'execute'), right-click on the ad and select Close; this may help prevent some of the...

Isn't this the one where Catweazle suggested you remove/reinstall Acrobat and you ended up reformatting? (http://www.daniweb.com/techtalkforums/showthread.php?t=19634&page=2&pp=15)

Here's the one...