I run under XP.  Recently I noticed that shortcuts were appearing on
my hard drive for files, folders and internet sites that I have
accessed over the last two months.  I see the shortcuts when using
Windows Exployer, I go to "My Computer" then "Local Disk (C)".  I did
not create these shortcuts.  Does anyone know where they may be coming
from?   How do I prevent them from being created?

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Clarification of Question by ddbbdd-ga on 03 Jan 2005 18:54 PST

I have only noticed shortcuts being created on my c drive.  I probably
have 50 there now.  I do not know how to send a picture but under
Windows Explorer under "My Computer"  C drive it shows all the folders
followed by some individual files interspersed among shotcuts for
folders, Word documents, Excel documents and web sites.

Shortcuts are created only on the C: drive or all over your computer ?
You know, at certains folders Windows XP have only folders, for
example 'My Network places' or some folders at 'My Documents' at the
start are fulled with shortcuts.
Also a lot of programs are making shortcuts at strange floders,
especially multimedia, instant-messaging etc.. software, please
support us, with information, what kind of sotware you installed
recently.

Hi,

Before you do anything, try installing and running the programs below
on your computer:

Spy Sweeper
Spybot
Lavasoft Ad-Aware

You can download these for free from their websites, just use the
trial versions and tell me how much stuff are hidden in your PC.
Stuffs like malware (Malicious Software) creates shortcuts on your PC
or sometimes they change your homepage.

You'll be suprised once you run those softwares. It's better to run
all three because they all have different cures. Also make sure you
update your Windows software all the time through Microsoft Windows
Update.

Regards,
168c

Spyware seems to be a far-fetched cause of this weird behavior.
ddbbdd: Specific examples would help us help you better. Screen shots
would be the great!