Someone please help. Last week my internet wouldn't work but there was no virus and then my comp just crashed and I had to reformat. Then today same thing I couldnt get on the new, still no virus. Except this time i did a system restore to yesterday and now everything works fine. one thing i noticed is there was a WOWEXEC.exe in my running processes when the comp wouldnt go on the net. any help?

wowexec - wowexec.exe - Process Information Process File: wowexec or wowexec.exe Process Name: Windows On Windows Execution Process Description: Windows On Windows Execution Support Process provides support for 16-bit Windows applications together with ntvdm.exe Common Errors: N/A System Process: No

I know all that, but could this be causing my problem?

Dont be mistaken there is a valid wowexec.exe and there is also the adware _wowexec.exe {notice the prefix}.If what you saw was the adware then you need to get ad-aware or spybot to nuke 'em.

No it isn't. WOW is a needed system file by Windows and is normally loaded into active memory on load. I have WOW on all of my computers at home.

Okay, I was typing my answer when Saber posted his reply. I didn't know the scumware was trying to imitate legit Windows system files, so sounds like that may be your problem. Question to all: the govt. is anxious to back up big busines' big hammer when a few kids download music; where is the protection for millions of computer owners from scumware vendors who illegally enter and damage their computers??

yep, wowexec.exe is a legit windows program, it's for 16 bit programs, BUT it is only started if it is needed by a 16 bit application, and as Windows doesnt have and 16 bit applications, it'd be a good idea to find out what application is 16 bit, as it could be a trojan, more likely to be a keylogger tho... or some legit software :)