The first thing you need to do is to check the registry and make
sure that you don't have any unknown programs hiding in:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
If you need to edit the registry, please be aware of what you are doing.
I'm not suggesting you edit the registry, just looking to see what
applications may be hiding there. There are several tools that
are freely available online that will help you remove those programs
safely without directly editing the registry.
If you are running XP, msconfig.exe has that capability.
It sounds like you have a rogue process or trojan.
Next, check your services, and make sure that you don't have the
"WindowsUpdater" service, because that is a known trojan that
looks like Windows Update but isn't.
Also, even if you have up to date anti-virus, go to:
http://housecall.antivirus.com and do an online virus scan.
Lastly, there are a number of programs that will scan your system
for AdWare. Run one of those because you may have some app
running that is making changes.
David Waldron
MCSE+I, MCP+I, MCDBA, MCSA, MCT
Microsoft Enterprise Support
EPS Directory Services Team
(e-mail address removed)