I reformatted and reinstalled XP about a month ago. Since then, Windows Explorer sometimes tries to connect to the internet. This is the real one, C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe. Sometimes it tries to use OLE Automation, sometimes other methods. It usually happens when I start my computer, but sometimes after it has been on a while. I thought it might be a problem with Automatic Updates, because I have found a few copies of explorer.exe in update folders. I tried deleting the C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Downloads folder, because I know the downloads are not necessary after they have been installed. This seemed to work. After I deleted that folder, I went to Microsoft's updates page, and all I had to reinstall was the Automatic Updates program. The updates themselves were still listed as having been installed. Yesterday, I reformatted and reinstalled XP again, and this time I wiped the hard drive with Eraser. Now Windows Explorer is trying to connect again, same thing all over again. The copies of explorer.exe I have found seem to be identical copies (same file size as C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe), and they all are in update folders. I only know that my firewall never prompted me about Windows Explorer before, and now it does it often. And if I deny access, my browser shuts down. Is this a problem with Automatic Updates? Could it be a virus? Should I just grant permission and forget about it?