IE running multiple processes and pop-ups!

[liamallan]

this has just started happening recently, and i dont even use IE! it seems to be spawning processes on its own and producing pop-ups, seems like advertising pop-ups! i have tried scanning computer with various different types of anti-malware, adware, anti-spyware and anti-virus programs but nothing shows! does anyone know what may be causing this? it is really doing my head in! thanx

[djr33]

Spyware, adware or viruses. Or just toolbars (as far as I'm concerned a type of adware).

You could learn lots about virus removal or even hire someone to fix it, but in some cases it just can't be fixed. Back up your files, reinstall windows, and enjoy.

In my mind, if you don't have to reinstall windows every 6 months or so, you're doing something extraordinarily well in protecting your computer. It's just a hazard of using the most popular operating system (so it's a target) that also happens to have weaknesses exploited by hackers/etc.

[traq]

In my mind, if you don't have to reinstall windows every 6 months or so, you're doing something extraordinarily well in protecting your computer. It's just a hazard of using the most popular operating system (so it's a target) that also happens to have weaknesses exploited by hackers/etc.

ha! I must be doing really well, then, Only one reinstall in the last five years!

@liamallan: the popups are probably running in IE because that's the default internet browser for Windows, even if you never use it.

In the future, make frequent backups, manage who you accept cookies from (whitelist!) and how long you keep them ("flash cookies" too), be cautious about what sites you visit (aww... no more girlie-pics.com? :(), don't allow automatic redirections, and always make sure you know where the link you're clicking on goes.

For email: block linked images, NEVER open anything you weren't expecting to receive (or if you don't know the sender - MAKE SURE it's "paypal.com", not "pay-pal.com"!!), and don't follow links -type them in your browser instead.

[djr33]

But that's entirely the point-- if you follow all of the steps, then you're working harder than just reformatting every few months. Certainly it's possible to limit your activity to the point where (probably) nothing will go wrong, but is it worth it?

[traq]

I guess that's up to the individual - it never bothers me. Reinstalling, however, is never fun.

And I'm not talking about all sites / all emails, I'm talking about using common sense about which sites you "trust."

[MarCn]

this has just started happening recently, and i dont even use IE! it seems to be spawning processes on its own and producing pop-ups, seems like advertising pop-ups! i have tried scanning computer with various different types of anti-malware, adware, anti-spyware and anti-virus programs but nothing shows! does anyone know what may be causing this? it is really doing my head in! thanx

I have the paid version of Spyware Doctor, and I did the complete scan last night with an absolutely pristine diagnosis. And this, like I said, is a brand new computer...the only things I've downloaded or sites I've visisted are ones I know are clean. Add in the fact that I've been having the problem nearly since I unboxed the computer, and I really don't think I have a virus...

I read something about Internet Explorer running multiple processes for different tabs, but I don't understand why it would do anything like this. Also, after I posted my first message I went away and left the computer for about 15 minutes, came back, and it had stopped doing it. Then, a little while ago it started up again.