Free Spyware Removal

Browser Helper Object (BHO)
A few years ago, Microsoft added mini-programs called Browser Helper Objects (BHOs) to the Internet Explorer browser. When you open Internet Explorer, you automatically start the browser helpers that have been downloaded with the browser.

The purpose of a BHO is to enhance your surfing experience by collecting information on your surfing preferences, displaying specific banner ads, and even changing your home page settings.

If you have installed special toolbars or colorful ad-based extras to your IE browser, you’ve probably also downloaded a BHO to your computer.

HijackThis is the best way to see what BHO's are installed on your system. You may want to remove most of them. I've had instances of even good, non-adware ones causing problems with IE. (Not loading, crashing, etc)