I tried to log in (I have Windows 2000) to my computer and got a message that someone else was logged in under my username. I had to log in under administrator to be able to log on. When I looked at the computer usage, I noticed the space was drastically decreasing by the second. I unhooked from the internet and it stopped. I couldn't find what was put on my computer. I cleaned out all the internet files, ran the antivirus and deleted a lot of programs to regain a portion of the space. The next day (after my computer was NOT used by me) I noticed that all my space was gone again. How do I get it back? I have DSL and it stays on during the day when I am not home and I am afraid that someone is using my computer to store files or something, but I can't find them. How do I find the files?
2007-02-14 09:19:36 · 6 answers · asked by Shawn C 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
Sounds like a classic hack attack to me (or a virus). Someone has probably inserted a remote control program (such as Dameware). They do this by using a dictionary attack to hack your password. Then, with your password, they install the remote program (typically to send out spam e-mails by the hundreds of thousands). They use you as an open relay.
First, with your computer unplugged from the internet, create a new user account and make it an administrator. Give this account a complex password. Disable or remove all other accounts. .
Second, with this new account, open a command prompt (start-run-"cmd") and type "msconfig". This will open the configuration file for your computer. Go to the startup tab and uncheck every startup item you're not absolutely sure of. (You can undo this later). Then go to the services tab and show non-microsoft services only. Uncheck every service you're not absolutely sure of. If you don't know what it is, uncheck it.
Third, access the internet and download some good free antivirus/antispyware (AVG has both... it's free and pretty good). Run the scans.
Fourth, do a google search of all the startup files on your computer that you just unchecked (such as rtvscan.exe, etc.) See what these files are, and what they do. If it's OK, recheck it. If it's spyware/remote control, keep it unchecked and manually delete it.
2007-02-14 12:15:11 · answer #1 · answered by antirion 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here is what I suggest.
1. Get a hardware firewall that your computer can hide behind. Such firewalls combine the firewall function, with router and network switch functioning. The Router-switch-firewall device should use Network Address Translation to assign addresses to the computers in your house, and hide those numbers from the outside world. The end result is that hackers try to attack the firewall-router-switch box and not your computer. This is a really cost effective solution.
2. Stay away from web sites that have not been certified as safe. Especially hacker sites, porn sites, gamer sites, and most sites that are not "big name" companies.
3. Back-up your document files, and any other files that you need to save to CDs or DVD discs.
4. After you have backed up all the files you need to save. Use your Windows operating system CDs to reformat your hard drive and reinstall a fresh copy of Windows. Then use a good security software to check your backup CDs and if safe, put the files back on your computer.
2007-02-14 09:33:26 · answer #2 · answered by Clown Knows 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well it sure sounds like you could be a victim of a hacker.
You need a really good secure firewall. As for finding hidden files, you may be in for a challenge. The only guys I know about that do that kind of work only sell their services to large corporations because they are freaking expensive.
Check with the Geek squad, maybe they have a service like that, that is reasonable.
2007-02-14 09:27:36 · answer #3 · answered by No More 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This sounds like a case of a hacker. I think you need to report this to your DSL provider immedialtly, so if its thier problem, they can replace it. This is a serious problem in our world, and it needs to be stopped, and prevented. Have you used Myspace lately? Sometimes people's profiles show stuff they do not mean to, like phone number, or other personal items.
Thank You.
2007-02-14 09:25:45 · answer #4 · answered by storrsw123 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont think you can really be helped without someone being there. try to find someone in the area to check your computer. i would do it for you, but i live in kentucky. lol good luck to you. =)
2007-02-14 09:29:50 · answer #5 · answered by Applejack 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have a firewall if you don't get one asap!
2007-02-14 09:27:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋