Weird situation with my wife's computer

Discussion in 'other anti-virus software' started by Chuck57, Aug 17, 2020.

  1. Chuck57

    Chuck57 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2002
    Posts:
    1,772
    Location:
    New Mexico, USA
    This probably doesn't belong here, but I don't know where else to put it.

    Something is going on with my wife's computer that I've never seen before.

    She's running an HP 355G2, Windows 7 Pro 64 bit, 8G RAM.

    She cannot open any app on her desktop. When she tries, a box opens up saying 'Would you like to move to the recycle bin'. It happens to all of them. Then it begins opening endless boxes with the same message. I managed to get Emsisoft Emergency kit downloaded, but when I tried to install from the download folder, same thing "Do you want to move to recycle bin.' Then the endless box cycle starts.

    She's got Panda free, probably an old version, on her computer, along with Ccleaner and SuperAntiSpyware (which I think is useless, but you can't tell her that).

    I saved EEK to a thumb drive and it installed on her laptop and ran, and found nothing. For the sake of MY sanity, I hope somebody can tell me what's going on and how to fix it.
     
  2. stapp

    stapp Global Moderator

    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2006
    Posts:
    25,430
    Location:
    UK
    A few questions just so other members get some ideas of what else you have tried.
    Does this happen when you use either the touchpad or a mouse? Do you have a spare keyboard you could plug in to try?
    Does it happen in safe mode?
     
  3. Chuck57

    Chuck57 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2002
    Posts:
    1,772
    Location:
    New Mexico, USA
    She uses a usb mouse. Touchpad disabled. It's a laptop, but we have keyboard that can connect via usb. Have not tried safe mode yet. When she calms down enough to let me touch it, I can try safe mode......if I can remember which F key to press at start.

    It happens when she tries to open a program from an app on her desktop and when we manage to get something downloaded and try to install (Emsisoft). It did not happen when I downloaded EEK on my laptop to a thumb drive and plugged it into her laptop. This was all done with mouse clicks.

    Additionally, I've tried to get her to try system restore, going back just a few days, but can't make her understand it doesn't erase everything, just the few days.
     
    Last edited: Aug 17, 2020
  4. Mr.X

    Mr.X Registered Member

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2013
    Posts:
    5,031
    Location:
    .
    Perhaps a stuck "Del" key?
    Take a closer look.
     
  5. beagle1957

    beagle1957 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2013
    Posts:
    20
    Location:
    Kentucky, USA
    Can you click on Start, then Run, then type an executable file, say IEXPLORE.EXE and see if the .exe files runs independent of the desktop icon?

    If the executable runs, I would suspect it's a stuck Del key. Try your USB keyboard.
     
  6. stapp

    stapp Global Moderator

    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2006
    Posts:
    25,430
    Location:
    UK
    @Chuck57
    I see from another forum that you have solved the issue and it was the keyboard.
     
  7. imdb

    imdb Registered Member

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2011
    Posts:
    4,208
    so what was it? a gunky keyboard?
     
  8. treehouse786

    treehouse786 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2010
    Posts:
    1,411
    Location:
    Lancashire
  9. Chuck57

    Chuck57 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2002
    Posts:
    1,772
    Location:
    New Mexico, USA
    Yep, the delete/period key in the numeric side was stuck. Got it and all the keyboard cleaned and, so far, no more problems. Only cost me several hours downloading this and that AV, Emsisoft Emergency Kit, and other things to find out it wasn't a bug or other software problem.
     
  10. EASTER

    EASTER Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2007
    Posts:
    11,402
    Location:
    U.S.A. (South)
    Oddities happen like that @Chuck57 and boy I have had my share of them.

    Out of pure dumb curiosity (now that we know that it was hardware related), does she keep a small collection of Registry Backups? That IS of system software type bugs but have encountered on some occasions of screwball run ins that have most rubbing their head over and throwing in the towel for a backup image just to get up and running normally again.

    If it's of any future help (you may yourself already do it) but I use RegBak64 and it takes seconds and done just in case. Also tweaking.com's Registry BackUp also used at random when I feel enough weeks is passed and time to do a reg backup.

    Pulled my bacon out of the frying pan many times before and usually it was either Windows or a Software creating some corruption in files that fudge things. Makes you think a bug got in when in reality just a part of the machinery throwing a wheel bearing so-to-speak.

    Have a great week and glad all worked out for her after all.
     
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.