An error keeps popping up when I clik on my shortcut... "IE has encountered a problem" I click on info and it has something to do with iexpole.exe
This is usually the result of a partially-failed browser hijacking. Not only are you going to have to run a spyware/adware stomper (I recommend
Spybot - Search & Destroy), but you will likely have to dump your
System Restore points due to Registry corruption (not 100%, but probable).
To get information on Spybot S&D, go to
http://Security.Kolla.de -- which also has support forums.
Also go to
Gibson Research and run the utilities that explicitly shut off the unneeded services
DCOM/RPC (for which patches simply don't work),
Messenger Service (a pop-up server, don't confuse with
MSN or
.NET Messenger), and
Universal Plug and Play.
http://www.GRC.com
Make sure you have a software or hardware firewall (the MS XP firewall doesn't cut it). The free version of
ZoneAlarm is OK.
You
must run anti-virus software.
Grisoft has a free-for-personal-use version of its
AVG package.
http://www.Grisoft.com