IE 100% CPU usage after IE has been closed

[Guest]

Even when all the web browsers are closed, the iexplore.exe is still using
all the CPU usage. No applications are running in the background just at the
desktop. I have stopped the process once and seemed to help a bit. Looking
for a better resolution. Even when the browser is trying to find a new web
it also brings the CPU to 100%. Any suggestions. Running Windows XP/SP 2,
all updates and I have an uptodate spyware and antivirus running.

 

[PA Bear]

Open Task Manager (CTRL+ALT+Delete) to the Processes tab: Is it indeed IE
that's spiking? If so, is McAfee SiteAdvisor installed?

If not, run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your
hijackthis log to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Introduction
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v1.99.1
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.zip) is the preferred tool to use.
It will help you to both identify and remove any hijackware/spyware with
assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html,
http://forums.subratam.org/index.php?showforum=7,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or other appropriate forums for expert
analysis, not here.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.