multiple pages open and freeze my computer

[bent]

Using win xp, sp2, auto updates and Seamonkey browser using Seamonkey email.
I have not done any computer changes of any type in past month.
No installs or uninstalls of any kind. I NEVER open email from an unknown.

I was on the computer for about an hour and was in process of replying
to an email when the text started scrolling down and I could not stop it.

After numerous times clicking on the "X" at the top right of the screen,
it finally closed out.

Then I clicked on my EXPLORER.EXE icon and explorer loaded but started
giving me about 5 dozen copies of explorer.

I was able to close them by clicking on the "X" and got all closed
except one. However that copy was frozen and could not do anything. I
could not move it on screen or do anything except click on the "X" and
close the copy.

I did a System restore to a date last week and that did not help.

I tried unplugging the computer to totally power it off and then
rebooted, SAME problem. Any ICON I clicked on would load with dozens of
copies showing on screen but unable to do any functions.

I unplugged everything and left it alone for 6 hours and plugged
everything back in and now the computer is functioning normally.

That was 2 days ago and I have shut down and rebooted 3 times since that
problem and everything seems normal now.

SO, my question is... what in the world could have caused this??

Thanks

Bently

 

[PA Bear]

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

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 v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) 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.

 

[bent]

Thanks PA Bear,

Appreciate the reply and all the links.

Will be giving them a workout.

Thanks again...