Internet explorer has encountered a problem

Steve_xx

I keep getting this pop up when I'm viewing pages:

Internet explorer has encountered a problem The following add-on was running when this problem occured:

File: IECodecPlg.dll
Description: IECodecPlg.dll

Then when I click on it to get rid, it shuts the browser down. It seems to have come on over the past two days and it getting more frequent. does anyone know what it it and how to fix it?

superscaper

Seems like toolbar malware. Have you recently installed a toolbar? I'd suggest going through the malware removal sticky, but might be only hijackthis that can get rid of it.

Steve_xx

No, I haven't recently installed a toolbar. Yesterday I added a macro to the tool bar in Word. The problem was apparent before I did that though.

superscaper

Seems like it's something that's got on without your consent then. Go through the malware guide.

Steve_xx

Progress report:

I downloaded Spybot and it detected various cookies, but it did not cure the problem. So, I then downloaded Superantispyware and this detected 137 threat, 17 of which were Trojans. They're all gone now and all seems to be well again. Thanks for your help.