The symptom you describe is evidence of malware.

Download HijackThis, a malware analysis and removal tool. Create a directory (folder) in the root level of your C: drive named HJT. Unzip HijackThis.zip into the newly created directory.

After installing HijackThis.exe in the directory C:\HJT, run Hijackthis from that directory. Click on the 'scan' button and then 'save log' button. Save the file for future reference in C:\HJT. Use a name like HijackThisOriginal.log. This log may be needed fur further investigation.

Then download, install, update and run Ad-Aware and Spybot as described in this article. Be sure to configure Ad-Aware as described in the article!

If you continue to experience problems, the next step is run HijackThis again. Save the log to a different file name than the original log.

Copy and paste the contents of the new log you saved in a new message in the Virus Information and Removal board for review by the trained volunteers. Be sure to post the log in a new message, and describe the problem you're experiencing. DON'T ATTEMPT TO FIX ANYTHING REPORTED BY HIJACKTHIS without expert advice!

Jim

Do a google search for "Spybot search & destroy" its a great free program. It locks IE6 so nothing can change settings or home page, it scans and removes spyware,diallers,program recently used files(which are scanned for by hackers, and for redundant registry entries. It can control what opens in web pages such as those auto install dialogs . it also has a program in it now called "Tea Timer" that you must give the go ahead for anything that wants to change a registry entry. so when it pops up if you havnt just set something to run or if you dont recognise the program it has stated you just say no.

Dont pay for security theres loads free online.

AVG - Anti virus 

Adaware - spy and adware remover

Sygate - firewall

cwshredder - dialer and searchbar remover

Well, you guys took care of this one :)
If anyone's interested, I have major spyware removal tools (local copies) and removal instructions on my page (link in the signature).

Happy Hunting!

To The_Painter: Nice picture!

Hi rrnba,

Here are the hyperlink's that are you looking for

Adaware - spy and adware remover at http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

AVG - Anti virus at http://www.grisoft.com/

cwshredder - dialer and searchbar remover at http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/downloads.html

The home of Spybot-S&D! (You will see alot of websites that are Spybot serach and destory, they have spyware in the spybot search and destory program. The right URL website is) at http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=download

Sygate - firewall at http://www.tucows.com/preview/213160.html

For browser you use insead of Explorer is firefox Built with the Security in mind, Firefox keeps your computer safe from malicious spyware by not loading harmful ActiveX controls like Explorer dose. A comprehensive set of privacy tools keep your online activity your business. Download at http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/