What are the programs that are automatically coming up?
Meanwhile, I'd do some basic maintenance on your computer:
-- Run an online full virus scan to make sure your system is clean. Here's one:
http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?productid=symhome&langid=ie&venid=sym
-- Delete all temp files (c:\windows\temp\*.tmp, or on XP C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Temp)
-- Delete temporary internet files (c:\windows\temporary internet files\*.*, or on XP C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files)
-- If you use I.E., click on Tools, Internet Options, Delete Files, select "delete all off-line content", click OK
-- Click on Start, Programs, Accessories, Systems Tools, Disk Cleanup
-- Download
AdAware, check for updates, run it and remove whatever it finds
-- Download
Diskeeper and defrag
-- Download, update and turn on
SpywareBlaster and
SpywareGuard (or your spyware removal tool of choice).