In IE6 (no FF lectures, please) lately when I click on a link that is slow to respond...it all of a sudden opens like 60 IE windows.

why is this?

well if you dont wanna use FF,
(i cant believe im saying this but here goes)
try upgrading to IE7.

stupid move, i know. but give it a try.

it won't let me. I try and upgrade it, and it says there is some file missing.

I recommend checking out a web site, castlecops.com. Look for the forum "Hijackthis" and post your "Hijackthis" log. I've used this site numerous times to get rid of really stubborn spyware.

Link:
http://www.castlecops.com/f67-Hijackthis_Spyware_Viruses_Worms_Trojans_Oh_My.html

<< it won't let me. I try and upgrade it, and it says there is some file missing. >>

this indicates that theres something amiss with your OS.
backup all your files, and reinstall your OS again.

referring to "HijackThis" ;
be careful with this software. its very good, yeah. but if you dont know what youre doing, you can damage your OS. so dont delete any file, and as NateDawg here said, post the log on the "HijackThis" forum.

keep us updated with further information :)