Computer Insanity

[calliopes_pen]

Ever since Dad fixed the computer, we've been having strange things happen to the computer.

1. Random pop-ups every few minutes. (Dad saw a few porn ones pop up while he was on the computer.)
2. The desktop icons would rearrange themselves every few minutes.
3. An icon would suddenly appear on the desktop. Something to do with a poker website. I would delete it, and it reappeared 30 minutes later.

All this was conspiring to drive Dad insane. It was a slight annoyance for me.

Dad reinstalled our firewall, and everything has stopped. No more pop-ups, sudden icons, or random moving of things.

We figured out what was happening--the computer was being hacked (or whatever it's called.). I really hope that doesn't happen again.

ETA: Well, I was half right. Although, the strange Poker website is suddenly back. So it's not a hacker on that part.

Comments

[kantayra.livejournal.com]

I'm no expert, but it sounds like a Trojan to me... What protection do you have on you comp? (Heh. The way I said that made it sound like your comp is on birthcontrol. :P)

[calliopes_pen]

It's called Black Ice. It's currently Paranoid. (Sounds like my computer has emotional problems based on that little bit.)

And you could be right. I'll do a scan to see if that's the problem.

[maelithil.livejournal.com]

Try running Adaware (http://lavasoft.element5.com/italian/software/adaware/) too. It gets rid of all the pop-ups that have buried themselves into your computer.

[kyanoswolf]

Make sure you have good spyware as well as virus protection. Keep both updated and Scan often!

Get a pop-up blocker if you aren't using XP Service Pack 2 with the built in one enabled.

Set your security packages to the highest levels possible and deal with the annoyance of having to enable each and every program to access the net on as needed basis. Don't open holes to the net that don't need to be there.

[calliopes_pen]

The pop-up problem was fixed once my firewall was reinstalled. Yes, it is at the highest level possible.

[bigsciencybrain.livejournal.com]

Spyware. If you're running windows, try the new Microsoft Anti-Spyware, downloadable from the Microsoft.com website. Took me three days to get rid of all my spyware and I have a hyperactive Firewall and I'm very careful when I surf the net. Good luck!

[romulantbonz.livejournal.com]

Yeah, sounds like a trojan for sure. :(

[captain-ice.livejournal.com]

This diagnosis sounds right to me as well.

Is this PC on a router?

[pukkie.livejournal.com]

ALways read the options when installing programs like Messenger, or Codec related programs (DivX, Realplayer etc.) The free versions always come with fancy toolbars, adds or other spy related software. In many cases you can uncheck those unwanted tools. This also counts for websites where you can find serials or other free thingies.
The new Microsoft anti spyware program is a BETA and NOT considered as an option (yet).
Installing anti spyware is not the only thing. You should check the settings for these programs to be sure they are not only removing spyware them but also immunize (sp) your system.

You can easy check if you are infected with a hijacker trojan. Just try to reach sites as www.mcafee.com If these sites generate a page or site not find message you are hijacked.

[calliopes_pen]

I never install anything like Messenger or Codec (I've never heard of Codec.)

I'll go to the mcafee site and see if it is a Trojan that I have. Thanks for the link.

[calliopes_pen]

OK, I just went to the Mcafee site, and I can get there. It wasn't hijacked.