IE hijacking my computer

[sokcucker]

Sometimes my computer slows to a crawl and I can hear the hard drive working overtime.
If I look at the processes in task manager, I can see that it is IE hijacking all the memory and the CPU.
What is it doing? And what can I do to stop it?
PS. running XP and dont like Firefox.

[Eurox]

Try defragging your hard drive: start > programs > accessories > system tools > Defrag that should help put them things in order and speed things up

[sokcucker]

Thanks Eurox,
Should've said I have tried that, also scanned computer with AVG and using Zonealarm.

[ACtheTROLL]

be careful

IE is a fundamental part of windows .... so any file activity could legitamately show as IE

which version of windows?
when does it happen
how long
have you scanned for malware as well as virus
ad-aware, spybot etc?

and WOAH
avg and zone alarm
TWO VIRUS PROGS???????
not a good ides ... that could cause many probs right there

[Goofy]

for ACthe TROLL
ZoneAlarm is a firewall - although it also now has email facilities. No problem running this and AVG

[Goofy]

sokcucer, if yuo don't like Friefox, have you tried Opera?

[Cetti]

Do you use Disk Cleanup regularly, as well as Defragging. This can slow the computer down dramatically.

[sokcucker]

Thanks for all your answers.
I have scanned for spyware and virus'.
I've also reinstalled IE 7 and things seem better.
Too soon to be sure as it did'nt always happen.
Thanks goofy I will try Opera.

[ACtheTROLL]

goofy

a firewall doesn't scan .... I assume from the context sok included ZA that he (she?) meant ZA internet security which includes virus

[figure]

Cetti - are you saying that Disk Cleanup and Defragging regularly can slow down the computer? Thanks.

[Cetti]

No figure, just the opposite, if you don't clear out the rubbish it will slow down the computer considerably and even crash.

Apologies if my wording was misleading!