Hi,
To me, this is a "new one", hasn't come up until now.
Could be spyware, just a longshot.
Here are steps you might try to see if it is spyware:
If you think you already have Spyware/Advertising Ware in your computer, run these as follows:
http://www.security-related.com/download2.htm
Download: SpyBot Search & Destroy; 1.3
(If you use the Spyware Blaster free program, then don't set SpyBot to the Immunization feature)
AdAware at:
http://www.lavasoftusa.com
Download: AdAware_SE V 1.06
CWShredder at:
http://www.intermute.com/products/cwshredder.html
(CWShredder is intended only for removal of CoolWebSearch files; placed as spyware on the harddrive). It is not a "stand alone" scan, but needs to be run. Download the free version by clicking on "Download stand alone version of CW Shredder".
All 3 of the above programs run better and much faster when run in SafeMode.
To get into SafeMode:
Re-boot the computer, and immediately after starting up, Press and hold down, F8, at top of keypad.
When the options show on the screen, use the up and down arrow keys on the keyboard to select
"Safe Mode".
Press Enter
It's best to run the AdAware scan first; 3 times; then re-boot.
Then, run the AdAware scan again 3 times; then run the SpyBot. Then, run CWShredder.
Re- Boot.
Reason for running so many times:
Some of these trojans' files can be deleted the first time; leaving some others; but on re-boot, they re-write the files that were deleted.
Running multiple times deletes most of it the first
Time.
If you wish to have a great program, after you clean out Spyware/Advertising Ware:
Spyware Blaster 3.3
This program stops this stuff from getting into the computer in the first place, by placing URL's in the browser, stopping them instantly.
You do not have to do scans with SpyWare Blaster, just update it every week with new "definitions".
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html
If you don't already have any of the above programs, then please get them.
Best wishes,
fredg