for some reason, there is now an extra toolbar in Internet Explorer. I can turn it off by going to "view"-->"toolbars" and then unchecking it, but it is still now part of the system. This goes for Windows Explorer too.

I've had strange software unknowingly installed in my pc and "links" added to my shortcuts list while surfing the net, but never had this happen before. Can anyone help?

thanks...

 

It would help if you said what the toolbar is called or what it does.

Unscrupulous (IMO) web sites often use Javascript to bookmark themselves in your favorites folder (and other nasty tricks) without your permission. Maybe check out your security settings under 'Tools/Internet Options' on your browser menu bar.

You could also try this....

In Internet Explorer > Tools > Internet Options > Advanced
scroll down the list of boxes until you see two which are 'Install on Demand'. They will have a check mark by default. Uncheck them so they're empty.

Maybe also grab a copy of Ad-Aware or SpyBot and have them try and find where the rogue files are located on your system and remove them.

Some more tips might be found here...
http://www.annoyances.org/

 

Try BHODemon.
Go here:
http://www.definitivesolutions.com/bhodemon.htm

 

it might be a program caled hotbar. Go to start: settings: add/remove programs/ and look for soemthign that says Hottbar! GOOD LUCK!

 

If it's the new IE, it might be a search bar. It attached itself to my browser too. Goto Add/remove programs in control panels and you can remove it.

Rice