What is causing constant downloading?

Latley my computer has been constantly downloading something and I can not figure out what it is. I have Bandwidth Monitor Pro and it shows that I"ve been downloading something at a rate of 100-150 kbs. It comes and goes every few days or so. So far in a few hours today its downloaded over 5 gig. I really want this to stop but cant figure out how. Even when I restart my computer and end most of the tasks it still does it. If anyone knows what to do to get it to stop please let me know.


I use Microsoft xp home edition.

Ive run spyware programs and have come up with nothing.

 

i have this thing lately where my computer sure sounds like its downloading, or uploading. (regular HD access noises at ~1 sec intervals) lasts for at least 15mins to an hour, then goes away, but comes back later...

i dont know what it is though....
i do have an FTP server running, but theres no access recorded in the logs.

 

Are you up to date on critical downloads and service packs from MS? Have you gone to start>run>services.msc to take a look at the running processes on your pooter. have you downloaded and run adaware and spybot?
Maybe gone to an online virus checker like trendmicro or pestpatrol to get a checkup?
Disabled messenger?
Shut off PnP?
Updated your firewall and AntiVirus lately?
If you run spybot have you kept your immunizations up to date? Ditto on spyware blaster

 

A software firewall such as ZoneAlarm can tell you what on your system is talking to the outside world.

 

Uh, yeah that too alan

 

I have never used Bandwidth moniter I use Netlimiter. It shows you all the programs that have a connection the net and what their dl/ul speeds are.

maybe that would narrow down the problem...

 

depending wheter you are using a file share prog try "netstat", I some times find that quite useful in finding out what connections are establised... then again I stick by my last, netlimiter...