weird internet problem

Here's the problem.

When on Internet and at a site ALL of a sudden a new Explorer window will open up going to another site (not a popup). This can repeat several times until there's 6+ copies of explorer running n computer freezes up for lack of resources.

Site sent to seems to be a site that has gone to in the past. But not certain of that yet.

I'm assuming this is ad software n requires a registry cleanup?
Latest n greatest Norton run n no viruses found.

Operating system is XP. Browser is windows explorer.

Only thing that's a bit different is googol inserted into explorer (at recommendation of comcast) to get rid of popups. It also modified 2nd line of explorer . Not familiar w/ goggle yet.

Never ran into this before.
This is on my sisters computer that'll I'll be visiting tomorrow (assuming not snowed in- else next day).

Looking for ideas.

 

My first line of action would be to delete temporary internet files, clear cookies, clean out temp files. Then download, update and run Spybot, Ad-aware and CWShredder. Delete all they find. Links are in my signature.

 

Sounds like the Google Toolbar- handy harmless critter.
http://toolbar.google.com/
I'm quite fond of mine.

After following Dave's advice, if you still have a problem, have a look here. for more info on repairing IE. Could also try a system restore after doing what Dave suggested.

Johanna

 

Thanks for quick replies.
Least have a plan of action now.

Will post back on what I found-n what works. Hopefully 1 of suggestions.
Won't do a system restore. Don't know what last point was n is a business computer. Seems like people kick out software nowadays, then first thing have todo is go online n update it.

Definitly a weird problem.