I am running AIM and will definitely check that out – thanks for all the advice guys. I’ll keep you posted today as I wait for GW to emminate from my PC. After that happens, I’ll shut down AIM and wait.
Rick – thanks for the offer – Funny enough, but I troubleshoot PCs and servers most days, so I should be able to figure it out myself 
I did run AVG, Symantec, AND Adaware – nothing turned up but cookies from the usual places.
Tristan – Thanks for that… I already have all the tools from sysinternals on my PC and did not notice anything untoward using TCPView.
Seems like it is pointing towards AIM. I’ll have to watch it.
thanks again guys!!!!