Pulling Hair Out Over Internet Explorer

[RetLeo99]

Ok, first I'm running Windows IE version 7.0.5730.11, Windows XP w/ Service Pack 2, and all updates current.

This all started about a week ago, and I attribute it to a household member known as "Ida Know." Q:How did this get messed up? A: Ida Know!

First, while accessing programs such as Yahoo Games or YouTube, none would work. I kept getting messages that my Adobe Flash Player was not installed or not current, but it wouldn't let me download anything. My Google Toolbar had also mysteriously disappeared.

I went to Windows Control Panel and "Internet Options," sub-tab "Security." I found that all my scripting had been turned off. By trial and error I was able to get my Google bar back and now everything is working properly, sort of.

A new problem has suddenly cropped up. Sometimes it happens when I first boot up IE, other times I'll be browsing, anywhere [it last did this while writing this post, thank GOD for Copy/Paste]

While being on this particular site (PC Tools Community Forum), running in full-screen, I'll see a flicker and the screen kicks out, going from full screen to "Restore Down." I then completely lose the PC Tools site and the "Restored Down" screen is replaced by some stupid add. I then have to go to the "Home" Screen (MSN), after which I have to go back to PC Tools Community Forum "Post New Thread" and start over, pasting my question and hoping I can complete it before it kicks me out once again.

Now I DID change some other IE security settings, selecting "Prompt" when I could, and enabling or disabling others, changing what was previously set.

I have both my pop-up and phishing filters ON. As I said, this is a new problem. What was originally an inconvenience has grown to one giant pain in the a$$. You know the type; one that tempts you to bounce the tower or the monitor off the nearest wall.

I'm 99% certain that the problem lies with one of the changes I made in the "Security" section in "Internet Options," I just can't figure out which one.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks to any or all in advance.

Bob

[BertImmenschuh]

Can't give much specific help but can say that I have seen similar symptoms appear after installation of IE 7 along with some adware/spyware/malware infections. I usually end up uninstalling IE 7 [Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs] which will restore IE 6 then running an up-to-date antivirus program along with the free Lavasoft Ad-Aware http://www.lavasoft.com/download_and_buy/product_comparison_chart.php and the free Spybot S&D/Search & Destroy http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/. Beware of similar-named programs as some aren't good.

[RetLeo99]

Ok, an update in the IE7 problem.

I fixed my scripts, so IE executes properly, sorta. When it first executes, it does so to a maximized screen, but give it a few seconds and another IE screen appears, the original one goes to a "restore down" position, wipes out my home page (msn.com) and up pops some freaking silly ad that I could care less about. No immediate problem, maximize the screen, click "home" and start over. Inevitably, I'll be in the middle of another website and it'll happen again. Now I'm pi$$ed off. I run Norton AV as well as Norton Security Scan, and they turn up nothing.

I HAVE noticed one thing. This only happens when IE is maximized. If I leave it in "restore down" I live with the smaller screen, but I can work uninterrupted, with no come-on ads.

The only Toolbars I have are "Menu Bar,""Links," and "Google Search" in addition to the "Status Bar."

I read the one reply about malware. I was wondering (opinions) about the best Malware Removal Software, as well as Registry Checking & Repair Software. I find Software from PC Tools that seem (claim) to have answers for just about any malady that affects ones PC. But are they as good as they claim.

Thanks in advance,

Bob