Internet Explorer displaying odd characters

[Bummer]

All of a sudden this morning when I sat down to use internet explorer, I saw weird characters on my browser page. My desktop items had also changed. I don't know how to fix the internet explorer problem. The text is really small and it displays weird characters. FOr example instead of a minimize sign it's got a little 6. I'm including a link to a screenshot. If anyone knows what to do, your help is much appreciated. Thanks!


http://img36.echo.cx/img36/3981/tttttttttttttttttt4oj.jpg
Bummer

[RGPHNX]

Hi Bummer,
from what you said..
it's most likely that the Win OS files for IE have been corrupted AND/OR there's spyware/virus's or other "bugS" on the puter.
If you need more help on how to fix this.. get back to me here.
RGPHNX

[amazing_andr3]

Use Firefox, that will cure your problems. For good.

[Mausau2000]

Use firefox no use trying to fix permineet problem
By problem i mean ie