Flickering Hourglass-no internet

[plumerjr]

Recently I've had the problem of a flickering hourglass icon. It would seem that something's running in the backround. I've tried aVG ANTIVIRUS and Spybot and I've had no change. I'm running Windows ME. It seems I can do most application's accept internet. I have cable internet. Any suggestions would be helpful thank you.

[rcvalencia9]

Maybe the browser is checking for your proxy settings. Check your network connection. Check Task Manager for CPU utilization and what process it is.

[plumerjr]

I tried check my internet properties and when I click security iit gives me a pop-up saying "An error occurred while Windows was working with the control panel file C:\Windows\system\inetcpl.cpl" Not sure if this provides any clue. I'll check out what you suggested.

[plumerjr]

Apparently I fixed the problem. I figured I'd uninstall some programs I don't use or a new program causing a hang-up. While uninstalling Kazaa My AVG(antivirus) detected a trojan horse virus(i didn't write down the name of it)After clicking continue my computer went back to normal operation. Apparently that was the problem. Now life can go back to normal,LOL.

[GaryRouth]

That file is a favorite target for several viruses and trojans. And you're at a greater risk for malware when using Kazaa. I usually recommend avoiding Kazaa and Gator, as well as the Kazaa wannabes. Almost all of them pose serious security risks.

If you Google that control panel file, you'll notice a fair variety of trojans and viruses that try to upend it.

Glad that AVG found it = you can set AVG 7 to scan your incoming and outgoing IM and emails & it should catch these early on. AVG has a nicely written help file = it's all there.

Best of luck
. . . Gary