system lock up multiple IE windows

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rick
  • Start date Start date
R

Rick

Hi

I am running Windows XP home on a H P Pavilion ZE 1115 laptop. I am not
sure if this is a XP problem or a IE problem so I will try both ways in
hopes of a solution.

My problem is at randon IE will open several windows to various site usually
over 20. I don't recognize any address. They will disappear after a short
while. The do not show in the task bar at the bottom nor can I stop them.
The times this occurs varies. Sometimes right at the start and at other
times when the browser is not even open or the Internet dialed in.

What results is I believe all the stem resources is being gobbled up by
these browser windows. I ran PC Cillen 2003 and found nothing. However I ran
MSCONFIG and found on file I am sure is a virus which is cchelp.hta and the
other I am not sure what it is pswz.exe in the windows system folder. I did
find about 4 short cuts to gambling and casino sites that I don't have a
clue were they came from. The properties show a Internet short cut. One for
example says Fortune Towers Casino. I can't help but believe these are or
were part of the problem.

I receive no error messages or reboots. The system will operate as it should
however very slow or will freeze

Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated
 
It found 8 different spywares but the problem still exists. Could it be
something to do with the host file?
 
Sure could! Many malware programs try to hijack the hosts file. In fact,
SpyBot allows you to lock it down, before the fact. It may be too late for
you.

Did you get the latest updates?
 
Well I guess got a little egg on my face. The problem was in fact spyware.
I first tried one from Web root and it cleared a few but the problem
persisted. Then a friend recommended trying Lava soft Ad Ware. Vila it found
about 96 additional entries. cleaned and removed them and the problem
solved. I should of tried the spy bot as was suggested by Crusty, but
already had tried the Web root one and thought that took care of it.

My apologies and thanks to Crusty
 
No problem! Glad you got it resolved.

Rick said:
Well I guess got a little egg on my face. The problem was in fact spyware.
I first tried one from Web root and it cleared a few but the problem
persisted. Then a friend recommended trying Lava soft Ad Ware. Vila it found
about 96 additional entries. cleaned and removed them and the problem
solved. I should of tried the spy bot as was suggested by Crusty, but
already had tried the Web root one and thought that took care of it.

My apologies and thanks to Crusty
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