Internet Explorer Always Running

from WinCustomize Forums
I can open my windows task manger and look under Processes and Internet Explorer is constantly running, even when all my applications are closed. Is there any way to get this to stop?
6,229 views 23 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Does it say IExplore or Explorer? Explorer should always be running unless your using an alternative shell. If IExplore is always showing it should also be in your list of running applications.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
That's the thing. It says IExplorer in my processes, but in my list of running applications, Internet Explorer is not there. I've run a virus scan and spyware scan and nothing comes up. Any ideas?
Siege of Centauri
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Do you use any special toolbars or web bars with IE? With all apps closed what does show up in your Systray?
The only thing that currently comes to mind is some kind of search tool that uses IE and runs in the background.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Nope, no toolbars or web bars. I don't even use IE anymore unless I absolutely have to. It's using about 30,000K of memory and it really bugs me. I have Microsoft Antispyware running always, that surely wouldn't have anything to do with it, would it?
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have Microsoft Antispyware running always, that surely wouldn't have anything to do with it, would it?


I run Antispyware, too, but no IE in processes
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
http://www.liutilities.com/products/wintaskspro/processlibrary/iexplore/

http://www.liutilities.com/products/wintaskspro/processlibrary/iexplorer/
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Well, if that ain't sneeky......

Great links yraq.

Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Great links, yraq. I was going to ask if suter69 had Avant browser, because it likes to sit in system tray.
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Okay, so from those links what I understand is that I need to get rid of it. I've tried to delete IE completely but it says it cannot because IEXPLORE.EXE is in use. I try to end it, but it starts right back up. Scorpio-logic, no I don't have Avant browser. What are my options to fix this problem?
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
no suter...ie isnt the problem man, u have a VIRUS and removing ie wont remove it for u, go and get Trend Micro's PC-Cillin for virus' and Xoftspy for spyware...best 2 progs to date, pc-cillin also monitors ur emails from via a web browser or an email prog. trust me, check it out
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I know! it's because the IE shortcut that microsoft put on your desktop put a parameter for it so it's always running to make it load faster.
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I know! it's because the IE shortcut that microsoft put on your desktop put a parameter for it so it's always running to make it load faster.


I'm not sure that's it....I have no instance of iexplorer.exe in processes unless IE is in use. It would seem suter69 has a nasty
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Internet Explorer only runs when the program is started manually on my machine (I run the default Windows XP installation of Home and Pro).

I have never heard of Internet Explorer running in the background without the actual program running, other than being one of the mutations of RapidBlaster (I believe this malware has been around since 2003, and apparantly is a smart bug which can morph into other processes  when it detects an attempted uninstall).

The other option is a clean install of the OS, if none of the removal tools work.

Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Very nice link, Thanks for that bit of info, Corky!! I love to be in the know.

Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have never heard of Internet Explorer running in the background without the actual program running, other than being one of the mutations of RapidBlaster (I believe this malware has been around since 2003, and apparantly is a smart bug which can morph into other processes when it detects an attempted uninstall).


I remember back a while ago, I got a nasty that would run IE in the background, opening as a popunder while I was using other programs, or minimizing to the systray and visiting various sites, many I'd never even heard of. I cannot recall its name offhand, but it was particularly difficult to remove and a clean install became necessary to restore control. I don't know if it's the same thing, but I do recall someone advising me to use 'cwshredder' to remove it....if that helps.
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Ok, Cwshredder didn't detect anything, Rapidblaster didn't detect anything, PC-cillin didn't detect anything, and Norton didn't detect anything. I really don't want to do a clean install due to the large amount of stuff that I don't really want to lose. Any last options? Would it hurt me too bad if I left it alone? Thanks for the all the help.
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top

suter69,

You could try a "Repair" of the OS, instead of a clean install - although I do not know if this will remove the issue.

I am referring to the Repair option that shows up after agreeing to the EULA after hitting "F8" - not the one offered using the Recovery Console.

I do not think it will cure the issue, due to the persistence of the bug and the fact that a repair will generally leave all your installed programs alone (MS will not guarantee this though).

If yraq does not have any better options for you, and since no one else has been able to offer anything that works (including myself) - I do believe you would be best served with a clean install if you have all the programs, drivers, and ability to back-up your saved files.

Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Download and run this http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3155.html and post results here http://www.hijackthis.de/en .
Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Ok, I did that, and it says I have 2 nastys. Now how do I get rid of them? I've ran a bunch of programs and they are still there.
Reply #22 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Ask here: http://castlecops.com/f67-Hijackthis_Spyware_Viruses_Worms_Trojans_Oh_My.html
Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Gotta couple browser hijacks...not fun. Watch where you surf!