"illegal operation has been performed"

[sylvii51]

While out cruisin' the internet, something happened to IE. I now get dialog box that reads, "illegal operation has been performed". I get that at booting up and it won't go away, and it won't let me open IE. (I'm at local library right now).

I ran scan disc to check for bad files but nothing there. I ran Hi-Jack (behind the dialog box that wouldn't go away), but I couldn't tell if something was there that shouldn't be there.

Just before I started getting the dialog box, numerous pop-ups started showing up and also started appearing as shortcuts on my desktop! If I keep trying to close dialog box, it takes away all the icons on desktop.

I tried to get to SpyBot page to download and run, but I can't get IE to open.

Now, my question for you is can I switch from IE to Netscape (and try to get to SpyBot) and if so, how do I do that? (I can't remember because I've never run Netscape).

Or, would it help if I uninstall IE and re-install it?

Any suggestions? (nope, I can't post Hi-Jack log because I'm not on my computer)

Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Sylvii

[tb525]

Hi Sylvii!
It sounds like you picked up a little malware..
Try doing this,
Boot the computer in safe mode. Instructions here: http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...rc=sec_doc_nam
Once in safe mode run a HijackThis scan and save the log. (Also copy it to a floppy disk) Then Click Start > Run > type msconfig and click OK. Click the startup tab and uncheck everything but the following. Click apply/ok

ScanRegistry
SystemTray
Anything for your firewall..

Restart in normal mode and try IE. If you can get online post the Hijack log.
If you can't get online, take the floppy to the library and post the log..

[thug2kila]

if my computer could detect illegal operations i wouldnt even be able to run 1 program because of the lag

LOL
Trying to make u laugh