Having an infected computer can really drive a person insane. An infected computer can be so bad that the computer is practically useless. On the other hand, viruses can be very sneaky and it is hard to tell if the computer is infected. What are some signs that I might have a virus? This is a good question that I am going to try to clear up.
Here is ten signs and symptoms the computer might have a virus.
1. Computer is really slow
Computer viruses tend to eat up a lot of CPU and memory. One way to check this is to open up the task manager and check for suspicious process. If one of the processes looks suspicious or is eating up the CPU, do a Google search of the process. I guarantee you will find some sort of information on the process whether it be good or bad.
2. Random Programs Opening Up
This is very common with all malware infections. When I remove malware from computers, I notice there is a bunch of Internet Explorer processes in task manager. This happens even if the user does not use Internet Explorer.
3. Programs Freezing or Crashing
Again, I use the Internet Explorer Example. If the person does not suspect anything, an error message might pop up and say Internet Explorer service has been shutdown or something along those lines. I get questions about users receiving the Internet Explorer error when they don’t use it. This can be checked by hitting ctrl+alt+del.
4. Pop-ups
This is another common symptom of an infected computer. The user might be browsing the Internet and receiving a bunch of pop-ups or they can receive them when they are not surfing the Internet.
5. Browser Redirects
I have started to see this problem more and more. When the user goes to search something like Facebook, they are redirected to some other site like Yellow Pages. Lately, the infections I have been removing would redirect me to the Yellow Pages (strange and funny).
6. Random Desktop Shortcuts
This has been a common occurrence. I was helping a friend who had a ton of viruses on his computer and he had a bunch of random shortcuts on his desktop. It was actually funny; he had some porn shortcuts that could not be deleted. One was about bestiality and another about gay fetishes (LOL).
7. Computer Sounds Like a Radio Broadcast
I ran into this problem a few times. A couple of people I helped on Yahoo Answers were getting some strange voices coming from their computer. I thought this was creative and I think I would be rather tripped out by that.
8. Windows Task Manager Has Been Disabled
I ran into this problem a lot. When the user tries to access their task manager, they get an error message saying they don’t have the proper privileges to access it.
9. Fake Windows Security Center
This has a lot to do with rogue security applications or scareware. Rogue security applications trick the user into thinking he/she has some viruses. An unsuspecting user might think they have a bunch of viruses and proceed to buy the rogue. I helped this person on Yahoo Answers that actually bought the virus or rogue. He entered all his personal information to include credit card number and was getting charged like $49.99 or $59.99, can’t remember which.
10.  Computer Can Only Access Safemode
When the computer tries to boot into Windows it automatically restarts itself bringing you back to the black screen with various options. The user has to access safemode in order to do anything. Fortunately, there are programs that have the ability to run and destroy malware in safemode.
These are the most common occurrences I have seen. Malware creators are getting more intuitive in order to bypass the standard security software. If your computer is infected, I would be glad to assist you in the removal process. Removing viruses have become a hobby of mine and I really enjoy destroying malware. Here is another article that might help you remove any viruses, how to remove viruses for free.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Good thing I have a mac.
P.S. They just came out with new macs and mice, check out apple’s site.
@Elliot
I get updates from Apple whenever they have new products coming out. I wouldn’t mind owning an Apple computer.
yes you are right.Whenever my computer is slow i install windows on it
.-= Tekshek´s last blog ..Increase Website Traffic By Best Plugins =-.
Hopefully, I won’t see these signs at all. :)
.-= Jayce´s last blog ..Free movie ticket from Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) =-.
@Jayce
Nowdays it’s hard to tell if you have a virus or not. I had viruses slip past me on one of my laptops not to long ago. If you ever have any virus problems, come on back and I will be glad to help you remove any malware. Thanks for stopping by.
Last night it became obvious my computer at home has a virus. I have 7 of your 10 signs. The problem is that I cannot use the Internet without being redirected to another website. Usually something called porno.com. Suggestions?
Jana,
This is very common. What browser are you using? Try different browsers like Firefox, Chrome, or Safari. Try going into safe mode by tapping F8 when the computer boots up. Once in safe mode try downloading a few different malware removal tools. If this doesn’t work let me know and I can send an email of Combofix, SuperAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes.
You must log in to post a comment.
{ 1 trackback }