Ried

Actually, I had noticed your update to SP2 on 8/15 and as we're not finding any malware, do you happen to recall if your issue with IE began shortly after this update?

eiankei

This thing freezes the whole computer not only IE, I think this problem appeared after updating to SP2 I didn't have such problems with SP1, but I'm not 100% sure.

Ried

I would suggest you post this issue in the Windows XP section and let the experts there assist you. To make it as easy as possible for them to review your problem, try to put all your information together in your post instead of linking them to your previous threads. Let them know you've been declared clean in the HijackThis forum and do point out that these issues seem to have arisen since your updating to XP SP2.

Once your system is performing satisfactorily, here is additional information, as well as free download links for you:

Now that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programs if you do not already have them:

Download SpywareBlaster 3.5.1 to help prevent spyware from installing in the first place. Install & update SpywareBlaster with the latest definitions. After you have updated, click the button - enable protection for all unprotected items .

Download Spyware Guard to catch and block spyware before it can execute.

Download IE-SPYAD.EXE to block access to malicious websites so you cannot be redirected to them from an infected site or email. IE/Spyad places more than 4000 dubious websites and domains in the IE Restricted list. This severely impairs attempts to infect your system. It basically prevents any downloads (Cookies etc) from the sites listed, although you will still be able to connect to the sites. This is a self-extracting .ZIP file, and save it to your desktop. Once downloaded, double-click on it to extract the files inside (default dir is C:\IE-SPYAD)
From within the folder, double-click install.bat
Select Option #2 - Install the new IE-SPYAD list, by typing 2
Then return to the main menu.
Select option #4 - Add the old porn sites domain, by typing 4


Update all these programs regularly. Without regular updates you will not be protected when new malicious programs are released.

In light of your recent issue, I'm sure you'll like to avoid any future infections. Please take a look at these well written articles:

HOW DID I GET INFECTED IN THE FIRST PLACE? by Tony Klein
THE ANTI-SPYWARE TUTORIAL
MAKING INTERNET EXPLORER SAFER
Understanding and Using Firewalls

Download Spybot Search & Destroy 1.4 Run Spybot and click on the 'Search for Updates' button. Install any updates that are available. Now click Mode menu and choose 'Advanced Mode'. Next click on Immunize to your left. Click the Immunize button on top to Immunize your computer - you should do this each time there is an update. Click 'Check for Problems' and fix all the entries, which are indicated in RED.

Download Adaware SE and install it if you don't have it already. Make sure it's the newest version and check for any updates before running it. Also make sure to Customize the settings in Adaware for better scan results. Run the scan and fix everything that it finds.

**Be very wary with any security software that is advertised in popups or in other ways. They are not only usually of no use, but often have malware in them.