programmes start on their own

  • Thread starter Thread starter Roger Snelling
  • Start date Start date
R

Roger Snelling

Can anyone help? When I leave my computer on and unattended it starts
programmes all by itself! Clever huh! Windows Media Player, Calculator,
Outlook Express and others have all done it, some more than once. How does
it do that and why?
 
Utilize the following recommended regime:

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software
http://support.microsoft.com/?­id=827315

Download Ad-aware SE and scan your PC for the presence of sp­yware:
http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html?part=69274&subj=dlpage&tag=button

Symantec Security Check
http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=23&pkj=YVXRORVWHFHMFNZMBBX

Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...a2-6a57-4c57-a8bd-dbf62eda9671&displaylang=en

Antivirus software: Frequently asked questions
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/antivirus.mspx

3 Simple Steps to Help Ensure the Protection of Your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/athom­e/security/protect/default.msp­x

Get Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxp/choose.mspx

Utilize the following maintenance programs, at least monthly,
to maintain the optimum performance of Windows XP:

Description of the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310312&Product=winxp

How to Perform Disk Error Checking in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315265&Product=winxp

HOW TO: Analyze and Defragment a Disk in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;305781&Product=winxp

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| Can anyone help? When I leave my computer on and unattended it starts
| programmes all by itself! Clever huh! Windows Media Player, Calculator,
| Outlook Express and others have all done it, some more than once. How does
| it do that and why?
|
|
 
RAT - Remote Access Trojan

The likeliest cause of that sort of behavior is a RAT. Disconnect the system
from the internet and see if it still happens.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
Roger Snelling said:
Can anyone help? When I leave my computer on and unattended it starts
programmes all by itself! Clever huh! Windows Media Player, Calculator,
Outlook Express and others have all done it, some more than once. How does
it do that and why?
Click to expand...

Got a microphone plugged in? The computer may think that random room noises
are commands and its executing them.
 
Have you got a keyboard with buttons specifically for opening those
programmes? If so, have you got a cat?
 
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