iexplorer.exe running multiple processes

In the Task Manager iexplorer.exe is running 5 or 6 processes and uses 100% of CPU, sometimes even if the internet is not running. This is slowing down the internet consideably. If I end all the Processes then it works fine but in a few days all the processes come back.

I have a 5 or so year old dell running Windows XP Home.

Is this a know problem or is my computer just retarded?

Please help.

Thanks alot ill try that and see what happens.

usefullness is using a host file to block out crap search for mvp host file its well worth the downfalls with this you can do quite a bit. Xp installs a host file but its not used untill you actually put some stuff in it, I advise all to start using a host file rather than some 3 part spywear program. Its worked wonders for me more, so in the area of lets say muchmusic when playing a video, an annoying ad comes up, well with MVP host file thats a thing of the past, also you can add these goodies blacklisted from here. http://hosts-file.net
The only downside I have found is with some updates but thats not a real issue just go to your host file and change the name to host1 or add the ip or web site to be unblocked by changing the ip in the host file.

can we throw in a dube or two wiff that six pack sounds good

I want to avoid repair tools from the internet as most don't work. I was trying to avoid it but I think I'm just going to reinstall XP. Thanks for the suggestions.