timeout messages/ problem with on-access scanner for internet mail

[trashmaster]

Hi, I have a computer with Windows XP and I'm using Firefox for net and mail.  Recently, I noticed a new problem:  my computer seems to be running slowly and I started getting timeout messages like described here:

http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=3846.0

When I went to check the on-access scanner for internet mail , I noticed it was running constantly as if I were sending out mail all the time, and it showed the mail titles, all spam.  I went to customise, and turned off "scan outgoing mail" and the problem seems to be fixed- computer running OK now.

Is my computer infected with something that is sending out spam?  Was avast just scanning for something that isn't there?  I checked the hard drive for viruses, but nothing came up.

[Eddy]

It sure looks like your system is infected.
I suggest you click on the link in my signature and follow the instructions in the malware removal section.

[trashmaster]

thanks for the very helpful info- I'll see how it works.