Hello, all. I ended up downloading and installing a StartNow toolbar randomly. I have no idea where I got it, but I did. I figured out through doing some Google searching that a lot of people think that it's spyware or malware. I'm here to tell you that it's not, so don't fret. (trust me, I had enough anxiety for all of us)

i found a good link to uninstall the toolbar here: StartNow Start - Support



You just have to use the "removal tool." you can also delete it from "Add/Remove" programs in your control panel.

thanks.

yeah, i'm pretty sure that was the case. All taken care of now tho. THank you