Please be very specific when giving your OS information (BTW - I appreciate
you gave any information on your OS at all!) - here is some tips on how to
get very specific:
You can obtain and supply the edition and version information:
Start button --> RUN
(no "RUN"? Press the "Windows Key" + R on your keyboard)
--> type in:
winver
--> Click OK.
The picture at the top of the window that opens will give you the general
(Operating System name and edition) while the line starting with the word
to this message verbatim. No paraphrasing - instead - ensure
character-for-character copying.
What version of Internet Explorer are you currently using? Easy to find
out. Open Internet Explorer and while that is in-focus, press and hold
the "ALT" key on your keyboard. With the "ALT" key still pressed, press
(just once, no holding) the "H" key. Now, with the "ALT" key still
pressed, press (just once, no holding) the "A" key. That will bring up
the "About Internet Explorer" window. It will give you the exact version
you are using - repeat what you see there in response to this message.
How to determine whether a computer is running a 32-bit version or
64-bit version of the Windows operating system
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827218
All that can be important in solving your specific issues.
Since I do not yet have this information from you, I can only suggest
some basic stuff and some stuff with caveats that you will have to
determine (based off the information you collect and share using the
above methods) which you need/should/could do.
Basic stuff:
Reboot and logon as administrative user.
Download, install, run, update and perform a full scan with the following
(freeware version):
SuperAntiSpyware
http://www.superantispyware.com/
Reboot and logon as administrative user.
Download, install, run, update and perform a full scan with the following
(freeware version):
MalwareBytes
http://www.malwarebytes.com/
Reboot and logon as administrative user.
Download and run the MSRT manually:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx
You may find nothing, you may find only cookies, you may think it is a
waste of time - but if you do all this and report back here with what you
do/do not find as you are doing all of it - you are adding more pieces to
the puzzle and the entire picture just may become clearer and your
problem resolved.
You also should run a full CHKDSK and defragmentation.
Windows Vista CHKDSK:
http://www.windows-help-central.com/windows-vista-chkdsk.html
Windows Vista Defragmentation:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/Improve-performance-by-defragmenting-your-hard-disk
Continue by fixing your Windows Update system...
32-bit Operating System:
How do I reset Windows Update components?
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058
... and click on the "Microsoft Fix it" icon. When asked, select "RUN",
both times. Check the "I agree" box and click on "Next". Check the box
for "Run aggressive options (not recommended)" and click "Next". Let
it finish up and follow the prompts until it is done. Close/exit and
reboot when it is.
64-bit Windows Vista: