I have encounterd a problem I have never seen before. On my sister's home computer, whether she is online or offline, internet explorer windows keep popping up for no apparent reason. All of them are advertisements of one kind or another, and I have seen as many as 21 of them pop up in a matter of a couple of minutes or so. Since she has never used Internet Explorer, I am at a loss to explain why this is happening. Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Thanks.

It's a piece of malicious software that has gotten on your PC. You can get them through other ways then Internet Explorer (although this is a very common way). Here are some tools that will help you get rid of the problem:

Ad-Aware
Spybot: Search & Destroy
Microsoft Windows Anti-Spyware (Beta)

I recommend trying all three.

Also, if you are using Windows XP or 2000 - run Windows Update to ensure that any security holes in Windows are patched.

Hi,
Another expert has given you the name of 2 good spyware programs. Here they are again, but with step by step instructions on using them. It does sound like spyware/advertising programs have placed themselves in the computer; in files and in the Registry.

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:
This program stops this stuff from getting into the computer in the first place, by placing URL's in the browser, stopping them instantly. One of the Very Best free programs anyone can download!

SpyWare Blaster 3.3

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html

I use SpyWare Blaster, and since installing it for months now, have not had one spyware/advertising program get through to my computer. I really don't even need AdAware or SpyBot anymore, but do keep them just in case!
Best wishes,
fredg

I would like to thank you for your input on my problem. I have implemented your suggestions and my sister's computer is once again up and running fine. My sister wanted me to pass along her thanks to you as well. I love how people in the computer community pull together when someone has a problem. Shows a lot of class, if you ask me.

Once again, thank you very much for your help.

Thank you for those kind words and we are glad we could help :D