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something fishy going on

i have formatted my computer and reinstalled xp
funny things are happening now like programs start by themselves while im doing something else and sometimes the screen im on just minimizes itself without any input from me
this has never happened before
norton anti virus is up to date and finds no viruses
any ideas?
thanks p.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

r-k

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liamkellycabra

Do you have remote desktop enabled on the machine? Check the properties of "my computer" "remote"

or any remote control software installed? - VNC for example

do you work in an office or home LAN, and is there anybody with a smile on their face their trying to hide when you are having these problems?

go to the command prompt and type netstat -a

have a look at the connections to your machine look for anything you can't account for.

port 3389 is remote desktop
port 5900 and 5800 is VNC

but there are others

Could also be spyware/malware but if you just installed the OS there shouldn't be anything. You should install windows Defender Beta
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Liam

jabiii

I'm with R-K, has anything been spilled on the keyboard lately? :)

Like Liam said check your netstat -na looking for those connections.

Also see what services you have on startup, and programs in startup.
ANd make sure your remote control is off.

petey301

ASKER

http://www.hijackthis.de/logfiles/c2a6ec640a5e3aeec291fa470c0a9244.html

r-k

Your HJT log is very clean, so it doesn't look like a virus or anything like that.

Did you have a chance to swap mouse and keyboard?
Also make sure the mouse and keyboards cables are not loose.

petey301

ASKER

i am running sp2
with a router with built in firewall so i dont run the windows firewall

r-k

In this case I don't think it is a network/firewall issue, but in general I do recommend leaving the Windows XP firewall enabled. It doesn't do any harm, and provides an extra layer of security.

petey301

ASKER

i suspect it may be my logitech media play mouse..................
i was prompted to change the batteries as they were lo so i did
at the same time i formatted
the mouse works ok but it may be the culprit

r-k

Thanks for accepting the answer, but do post back later if changing the mouse really fixed the problem (or perhaps a loose mouse/keyboard cable also?)

petey301

ASKER

r-k,

i believe i have found the culprit
i had changed the location of the usb receiver for the wireless mouse.................
i have now put the receiver back into the usb connection where it was and now it seems to be ok.
because i had plugged the receiver into a usb port on my dell lcd monitor i guess it was picking up some interference or increasing sensitivity?
thanks
p.

r-k

Yes, entirely possible. USB connections are also notorious for having loose contacts. Glad it's better and thanks for the update.