What does Ctrl+Shift+Escape do?Well, the file location of task manager is "C:\WINDOWS\System32\taskmgr.exe" try making a shortcut or typing it in the Start - Run box. What does it do? Your problem may be adware related; complete the adware removal procedure in the post here.when i go to RUN an type in C:\WINDOWS\System32\taskmgr.exe it tells me another program is using it. how is that. ANYONE have any idea whats going on???At the very least...

Online Virus Scan and Spyware Scan
http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/activescan.htm

Highly recommended second Online Malware Scan
http://www.ewido.net/en/

or go a LITTLE further...

Download, install & update...
CLEANUP
Ccleaner (Set Options>Advanced> 'Uncheck the 48 hour box')
ANTI SPYWARE
Ad-Aware
Spybot S&D
ANTI VIRUS
AVG Free (Set Options to 'scan all files')
ANTI TROJAN
EWIDO (W2k & XP Only)
and/or
a-squared (a² Winall)

Turn off System Restore if applicable. (ME & XP users)

Run Ccleaner
Run Ad-Aware
Run Spybot
Run AVG Free
Run Ewido
Run a-squared (a²)
Re-start in Safe Mode
Re-run AVG Free

Re-start in Normal Mode
Turn on System Restore if applicable. (ME & XP users)Judging by Fed's post, he suspects you may have malware/spyware slowing down your computer. EITHER way, it's a good idea to do the scans.

Don't WORRY; your computer won't mind the enema. (That's my term for cleaning out all viruses on the system)