Weirdass computer problems

[Blackjack Gabbiani]

OK, since yesterday, when I leave my computer on and come back to it a few minutes later (like if I go downstairs or something), it shows me my wallpaper with nothing else (no toolbar or anything), and when I wiggle the mouse, it takes me to what looks like a startup login page (you know, where you select the computer user--only I only have one option since I'm the only user). And then I select it and it takes me to where I was.

But then today when I got on a few minutes ago, it took me to that login page immediately, then opened normally. But then it turned on my printer and printed out a page that was blank other than "My Yahoo!" and "Page 1 of 1" on it. I didn't tell my printer to do anything--I didn't even turn it on!

Could this have anything to do with the LJ wank? I visited the site that started it all, and people say it's riddled with spyware. But I ran scans and nothing showed up that wasn't already there.

 

[TTEchidna]

Yeah, I'd bet it's some sort of virus or spyware. Look in your installed programs, too, that might have something in it.

 

[Blackjack Gabbiani]

Well, i have ZoneAlarm, and it didn't tell me anything unusual was trying to access my computer. And I did Spybot and it didn't show anything. Which is in and of itself unusual, since usually I have about 5 or 6 things.

 

[Geoffrey]

You didn't delete any system files/programs did you?

 

[Blackjack Gabbiani]

Not a thing. The only things I've deleted lately are some rejected pictures from my digital camera.

 

[eX.A.K.R.]

Did you update your security programs before you ran any checks?

Also, do you recall messing around with any program or settings recently?

 

[dai1313]

OR on some printers when the computer shuts off any jobs get stopped temporarily and get restarted when the computer gets turned on.

as for the reason it takes you to the login page I don't know, my p.c. randomly quits every now and then when and sometimes my the pointer (mouse) lags but never anything like that. But I can't remember a lot of the problems ever since I got a mac.
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one time my friend got an error displaying error message once, it was funny.

 

[Trip]

OK, since yesterday, when I leave my computer on and come back to it a few minutes later (like if I go downstairs or something), it shows me my wallpaper with nothing else (no toolbar or anything), and when I wiggle the mouse, it takes me to what looks like a startup login page (you know, where you select the computer user--only I only have one option since I'm the only user). And then I select it and it takes me to where I was.

That sounds normal depending on your screensaver settings. Check your screensaver settings. I know on my parents' computer, when they step away and the screensaver comes up, upon moving the mouse or whatever it drops them back on the log-in screen.

- Trip

 

[Blackjack Gabbiani]

Well, I didn't change my screensaver settings, I never have.

And my security programs--at least my virus scanner--update daily.

 

[eX.A.K.R.]

Hmmm...

I suspect that it might be some form of new spyware or some messed-up setting in the most obscure parts of Windows. If you are 100% sure you have not messed around with any obscure settings or programs (especially with TweakUI), or worse, messed around with the Windows registry, I suggest that you update all of your malware scanners and do a full check again. If there's still nothing, grab a copy of Prevx, activate the trial, then scan for anything potentially nasty just to be sure; I use this software myself, and I heard it's a very strong (might be too strong for your liking) security program that is able to detect new malware before other major security products pick them up. Be careful with this program, though - you definitely won't want to mess up your computer further with another program if what's causing this is not malware.