I think I have a Computer Virus

[nynaevelan]

Hi Experts:

I could use your help. I think I have a computer virus. For the last two days my computer has been typing random characters (even with the keyboard unplugged) and opening/closing progams. I have tried running the Mcafee virus scan and Spybot but it is not finding anything. The only thing that changed is I was using the vpn to my work computer. Is there anyway to find this and fix it without reformatting my computer?

[onenonymous]

Check McAfee to make sure it's updated. Check all the settings to make sure it's not ignoring anything.

perhaps try some of the online virus scanners to see if they pick up anything?
http://www.google.com/search?q=online+v ... =firefox-a

Good luck!

[nynaevelan]

I tried that, a couple of times in fact. I am in the process of trying to restore from my Norton Ghost backups. I am going to go back two weeks, if that doesn't fix it, I am going to have to re-format and I really hate to do that but this is getting on my nerves and I need my computer back.

[Lowlander]

You might want to try to scan for spyware and in the meantime I wouldn't login to accounts or do any financial transactions in case a keylogger or spyware is broadcasting your actions.

[nynaevelan]

Isn't that what spybot is looking for? I am confused as to what this could be, I deleted the partition and reinstalled Windows and it is still there. I am starting to think may e this is on one of the other internal drives. I really would like to avoid formatting them but I am out of options I think that is what I am going to have to do.

[Lowlander]

With spyware it's often a good idea to try various software as none is really good at detecting all variants. Hitman Pro used to be a good tool (up till version 2) for this as it used a bunch of different spyware applications. Now they use their own internal engine (I've no clue if it's good or not).

[nynaevelan]

Any suggestions besides spybot?? At this point I am willing to try almost anything.

[Just JP]

I caught a nasty virus a while back and tried everything I could think of to get my computer back. The only thing that helped with my situation was a program called Malwarebytes .The free version is what I used to fix my problem and I was so happy it worked I paid for the full version as a thank you.

Give it a try, what have you got to lose. Good luck.

Jim

[nynaevelan]

I will give it a try but I am perplexed now. I delete all the partitions on my hard drives and reinstalled Windows but after installing a few programs it started again. Could this be in the BIOS or be hardware related?? Please anyone, all suggestions are welcome, I really need to get my computer back online.

[nynaevelan]

Oh you guys are going to think this is funny and once I am drunk enough and my computer is up and running I will too. I had a wireless keyboard sitting in a box under my desk for several months, I finally got tired of it being in my way so I moved it and put it away yesterday. Apparently since it is a part of a mouse/keyboard combo and I am still using the mouse and it still had batteries in it, it was able to send signals to the computer. Several hours of frustrating re-formats and re-installations and it takes an internet search to find what the problem was. But I will say this, I am very greatful it was not a computer virus, although I did spend time changing all my passwords.

Thank you all for your suggestions and help. From this point on I will be adding more malware/spyware programs to my arsenal to ensure I am not hit by a virus in the future.

Nyn

[Just JP]

Now that is funny and after your computer is back up and running you will think so too.

An adult beverage or three will also help.

Jim

[rovingcowboy]

so you had some raz from the rescuers from down under now didya mate.

on the anti spyware programs to try i have gone to the superantispyware program found on majorygeeks.com
its free and updated weekly they also have an option to have you check your computer for unknown items.
and have them sent to their lab in the state of washington? to find out what the item is. i say washington state and think this is part of the ms company but not sure. but it is free and they do a good job at finding the spyware.
also i use the free avg program i got rid of mcafee along time ago and never used norton here.
also use a good firewall that works on your system.

[nynaevelan]

so you had some raz from the rescuers from down under now didya mate.

on the anti spyware programs to try i have gone to the superantispyware program found on majorygeeks.com
its free and updated weekly they also have an option to have you check your computer for unknown items.
and have them sent to their lab in the state of washington? to find out what the item is. i say washington state and think this is part of the ms company but not sure. but it is free and they do a good job at finding the spyware.
also i use the free avg program i got rid of mcafee along time ago and never used norton here.
also use a good firewall that works on your system.

I will give this a try once I get my 'puter back up to 100%, I think this was a sign from the technology Gods to overhaul my setup.

[tigger4ever]

Hitman Pro used to be a good tool (up till version 2) for this as it used a bunch of different spyware applications. Now they use their own internal engine (I've no clue if it's good or not).

Hitman Pro 3.5 uses cloud computing and in-the-cloud they use:

• G Data 2010 (Bitdefender and Avast)
• NOD32 Antivirus 4.0
• Avira AntiVir 9.0
• Prevx 3.0 (direct link with Prevx cloud)
• a-squared Anti-Malware 4.5.

Read more about Hitman Pro 3.5 here: http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=236732&page=8.

[trixmoto]

Normally viruses are as discreet as possible, typing random characters seems unlikely to be viral behaviour. Have you checked to make sure none of your drivers are malfunctioning?

EDIT: Just saw your post about the wireless keyboard - ooops!