Within the last 10 pages on this forum there are several threads from people with similar problems, and as far as i can tell none of them have been resolved, so that is why i felt like i could make another one.
The issue with them (and me) is this: Windows XP randomly opens new browser windows. Sometimes it opens one, sometimes it opens 30. For example:
I turn my computer on, and let it sit at desktop. I do nothing, but randomly a firefox browser window will open. It won't go to a webpage, it just opens. This will continue to happen. Sometimes if i walk away from my computer i will come back to 30+ browser windows open which destroys my computer resources.
It is not a firefox issue though, i think whatever is causing it just opens up whatever you have set as your preferred browser (if i uninstall firefox i get similar issues with internet explorer).
But before anyone suggests running spyware, adware, or virus scans, consider this: I have reformatted 3 times (full reformats, not quick), and the problem still persists. I have tried two different windowsXP CDs to intsall the new OS after a format, and the problem persists.
Scenario: I reformat my entire hard drive. I install a fresh copy of windows XP. The entire time i am disconnected from the internet. As soon as the install completes, and i log into windows for the first time on a fresh install, the issue starts happening immediately. It *cannot* be a virus/spyware if this is the case, unless it is a BIOS issue (which, realistically, isnt the case either). So what is the issue? This makes no sense.
To point out one thing that no one else has yet: When you do a reformat/fresh install, and before you set up your internet connection, windows normally will give you a network setup wizard box to help guide you through setting up your network. But what happens on a fresh install? Instead of spamming firefox/IE browser windows, this issue actually spams the network setup wizard over and over, opening up multiple instances of it.
I reformatted and began installing windows XP off a clean CD. I walked away and let the install finish on its own. I came back after it had finished and it was sitting at desktop (like normal) except that i had about 20 network setup wizard dialogue boxes opened on my screen.
Does anybody have any clue what this issue may be? I feel its the same exact issue many others here are having and have yet to resolve. Avast!, AVG spyware, spybot, etc. yield no results and this issue *even happens when in safe mode*.
So these lead me to believe its not a virus/spyware issue but may be some type of software conflict between drivers, or a more extreme answer is that it is some freak hardware issue. Just FYI, im on a laptop as well.
Any ideas? I have absolutely no recourse to take here because if formatting the drive does not resolve the issue then the issue itself cannot be as simple as spyware/trojan.
