Hmmm... that bit about 'endless whois' queries sounds logical - maybe MXMoni related (running v1.28Eb)? Although, exiting WinMX stops it, not stoping just Moni, once the GUI fails. Trying out that 'disable visual themes' tip & will post again once I sees hows it goes.
Not to open a can o' worms, but I didn't have this issue running the pie-patch