Windows 7: many browser windows opening automatically (must be virus?)

hey guys,

I am writing to please ask for help.

a couple nights ago, I was looking for lyrics to a song. I think I was at metrolyrics.com.

suddenly, browser windows started opening by themselves. many of them. I ended up shutting down IE. (I use IE8. my computer tech told me to use it a while back because he said IE9 has a lot of issues).

just now I had a bunch of tabs or windows open. (I often do. I like to do 6 things at once.)

the same problem happened. it is slightly unnerving. it is an aggressive attack. I try closing a window, and this thing is chugging along opening 7 more. I go to task manager and shut it down.

I tried scanning the computer both times for a virus (AVG free version). it found no viruses.
does anybody have any thoughts on what I should do?
I did try a search before posting this.

thank you for any help,
Charlie

chas53

How about uninstalling AVG and running a full scan with MSE and Malwarebytes?

Microsoft Security Essentials - Free Antivirus for Windows
Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes Anti-Malware PRO removes malware including viruses, spyware, worms and trojans, plus it protects your computer

Do post back your results for further suggestions.

Also run a SFC Scannow and reboot if integrity violations are found.
SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

hey koolkat77.

thanks alot for your reply. man that was fast.

is what you suggest very hard to do?

would I end up keeping MSE and using that instead of AVG?

and would I pay for malwarebytes or get the free version?

I am not "koolkat77", but I believe the advice will be to keep MSE and you can use the free version of MBAM (MalwareBytesAntiMalware).

HTH

Well yes, but first do a complete scan with both of them to ensure your computer is clean.

Also run the sfc scannow as suggested.

thank you Sir George.

do you agree with koolkat77 that this would be a smart thing to do?

thank you koolkat77.

I'll try it.

Microsoft Security Essentials - Free Antivirus for Windows
Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes Anti-Malware PRO removes malware including viruses, spyware, worms and trojans, plus it protects your computer



ok. did both of those.

full scan with the first.

quick scan (recommended) with the second.

no problems detected with either.

should I do the full scan with the malwarebytes??

the sfc scannow looks complicated. possibly over my head.

any more thoughts or guidance about that one?

I am not afraid to try stuff. I can follow step by step instructions. the sfc scannow gives options and then more options. would someone tell me if there is something I should do thats clear cut without all the options?

There are many very good tutorials on SevenForums, here is the one for sfc scannow SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker. You won't have any problems if you follow the directions

Here is the link for the tutorials http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/?ltr=S, it's also on the front page of the forum near the bottom.

thank you very much.

I talked to a very knowledgeable friend.
he suggested I get rid of malwarebytes.

and download and run spybot.

I did. it found 12 problems and fixed them. including 2 browser helper objects.

will hold off on sfc scannow for now.

thank you very much.

hoping problem is fixed.