Suzy,
It might be due to malware, as you guessed. Download all of these utilities and scan the system.
Note: Spyware removers are rules-based and are updated very frequently as and when new malware is discovered. Therefore, update both of these tools before scanning, very important.
Lavasoft Ad-Aware -
www.lavasoftusa.com
SpyBot S&D -
http://www.safer-networking.org/
CWShredder :
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/files/CWShredder.exe
If that does not help, download HijackThis from
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/ Generate a log using HijackThis and visit any of these forums below to post your HijackThis log. The experts there will guide you how to remove the spyware from your system:
http://forums.aumha.org
http://forums.spywareinfo.com
http://www.lavasoftsupport.com/
Note down the Security tips from Mike Burgess, in his site below:
Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
Again, if you don't update the pattern files for the spyware removal tool you're using, the scan won't be effective at all.
--------------------------
Block AD/Spyware sites using HOSTS file [very effective method]
HOSTS file guide:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
Download Toolbarcop from
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/toolbarcop.htm and run it. From the Options menu, click "Increase Security level for Internet Zone (Internet Explorer)".
Make a note on the sites listed in the Trusted Zone. Remove any "Unknown"/"Unwanted" site from that list.
--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k
Windows 2000 Group Policy Registry Table:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/reskit/en-us/gp/gpref.asp
I used to be able to run multiple sessions of IE. I'm
sure due to viruses, hijackings, adware and spyware
something has been changed. Does anyone know what I need
to change to be able to run multiple sessions again?
