IExplorer & "My Computer" address dropdown hangs or delays

[Guest]

I am running XP SP2 all updates current except the last one for malicious
software removal tool (KB890830). I had installed this update but had several
other problems including runaway processes which caused processor
overheating. I resotred the system to the point prior to that update and most
everything seemed OK. I can't say my current issue is a result of that fiasco
but now another extreme annoyance has cropped up. When I open "My Computer"
the searching flashlight takes 2 or 3 minutes to bring up the file folder
view. Also when I click on the dropdown arrow in explorer, iexplorer or my
computer it also takes 2 or 3 minutes to drop down during which time I can
not do anyting with that window. (minimize or move...) I can work in other
windows on other apps so it doesn't seem to be systematic but more related to
the explorer address functions.
Has anyone seen this behavior? Any ideas on what might cause this? I have
tried a lot of things that I could think of and I can not find anything on MS
KB or google. Any ideas on search criteria?
I really would like to avoid a HD wipe and restart. All suggestions are
greatly appreciated.

dr

 

[Jon Erlandson]

High CPU utilization during periods of inactivity coupled with Windows
Explorer problems sounds a lot like spyware or virus activity. Scan your
computer with everything you have and see if that helps (visit pcpitstop
afterwards - link included

Here's some good free resources.

Trend Micro House Call
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Spybot Search & Destroy
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html

Ad-Aware
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

CWShredder
http://www.intermute.com/spysubtract/cwshredder_download.html

McAfee Stinger
http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/

HijackThis
http://www.tomcoyote.org/hjt/

SpywareGuard
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareguard.html

PC PitStop
http://pcpitstop.com/pcpitstop/