Configure the pop-up blocker in XP SP2 RC2
Jeff Davis covers some valuable registry keys:
PopupMgr - Whether the pop-up blocker feature is enabled or not. This is the checkbox on the privacy tab of the Internet Control Panel.
ApplyToWebOC - Applications hosting the webbrowser control only get pop-up blocking if they opt in. This forces pop-up blocking on non-opted-in apps when true.
More details on his blog.
P.S. I am also really looking forward to the gator-killer.