Windows 7 - whats wrong with my internet search?

hi
i have had this problem b4 and just rebooted my pc to factory setting. i dont wanna do that now because im 99.9% sure i can find a solution......

i use IE 8 (i think its 8) and AOL to surf the net and i use to not have a problem, but now all of a sudden when i search anything on the searchbar i get random crap...let me further explain.

i searched windows seven forums, it was the very first result so i clicked it...BUT.. i get taken to sites like "findstuff.com" and "infomash" and just very random and useless websites..haha.

after exiting the stupid site then reclicking the result i wanted a few times then it works but this is so annoying.

anyone know whats going on and how i can fix it?
thanks

any help would be greatly appreciated.

You have a malware infestation that's redirecting your search queries. Go sign up to the forums on bleepingcomputer.com and describe your problem there. They'll be able to fix it.

I agree that it could very well be malware (browser hijacker).

Try uninstalling your current antivirus if you have one
and then download and run both MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials)
and MalwareBytes to see if anything can be found and quarantined.

Get MSE here:
Microsoft Security Essentials - Free Antivirus for Windows

Get MalwareBytes here (look for the free version):
Malwarebytes : Free anti-malware, anti-virus and spyware removal download

Good luck

Edit: I know you say that you are using IE8 but have you thought about updating to IE9. Your browser (being the second largest piece of software after your OS) should be kept updated as the latest version will have bug fixes.

Also, try using Firefox to see if the redirections are consistent in both IE and Firefox. If you have the same problem in Firefox then it could be something else.

Back again: I also have one more suggestion for you - restore internet explorer settings and advanced settings:
Internet options -> Advanced tab