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.

Hi reevesbilly, welcome to SAF

Your sister's computer is probably infected by adware/malware/viruses. Even if she never used Internet Explorer, those nasties may have been contaminated her system by mail, nasty websites or warez.

1 - I strongly recommend her to run updated versions of AdAware SE and Spybot S&D, cleaning all that could be cleaned. (update definitions just before running them please)
Spybot - http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html
AdAware - http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html

2 - Next, run a housecall online virus check.
Housecall - http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

3 - Then, post a HijackThis log here, as someone can take a look on it and try to clean any remnants. If you (or she) are unsure on how to do that, please read carefully the link below and follow instructions.
HijackThis - http://www.suggestafix.com/index.php?act=S...ST&f=15&t=16053

Chris

Ironbender: 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.

Thanks for the feedback reevesbilly, you are always welcome

Do not want to post a HijackThis log here just to see if there is no hidden things still running ?

Chris