Is my computer a ghost comp?

Question

My computer will shut itself down, restart, or start up from off. This usually happens in the middle of the night, say 2am - 5am or so. I've had it for some time and have normally kept it on for days at a time without turning it off or restarting it and never had this problem. My Microsoft Windows is pirated(I don't know if I should've just said that) so I know that makes my comp. more subsceptible to intrusions but I've never really worried since I don't do much on it other than schoolwork and minor surfing. However, I don't want this thing used for other stuff by someone or something that I don't know what it is.

Answer 1

Step 1 : Check for spyware : See Below

Step 2 : Check in BIOS; (normally DEL or F12 on boot to get into setup) and make sure all the "WAKE ON LAN" "WAKE ON RING" and "WAKE ON IRQ" options are off.
Also check for any "TURN ON AT XX:XX" options

For the spyware side :
I'd reccomend these 2, run each in turn
ADAWARE fro www.lavasoftusa.com (Free personal version)
also SPYBOT S&D from www.spybot.org (Again free for home use)


Also worth having in toolbox is CCLEANER from www.ccleaner.com again a free download, and a good general windows tidyup utility.

Answer 2

Why don't you check the computer's own logs as to what is happening with it? Read its Event Logs.

Click Start, and then click Control Panel. Click Performance and Maintenance, then click Administrative Tools, and then double-click Computer Management. Now in the tree structure, select 'Even Viewer' and you'll come across Application, Security, and System logs. Of course the Security logs are the most interesting, but read all three to see whether or not something out of the ordinary is going on. If you'd like to know how to interpret them and what to look out for, check out the Microsoft Knowledge Database, and this article in particular:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308427

All that said, if you're using a pirated copy of XP you're probably not updated to Service Pack 2, which is essential to slam it shut half decently. Without it, there are definite opportunities for someone to crack your PC wide open, even despite the Windows firewall (or third party software). Make sure you do get Service Pack 2. There are ways, even for pirated copies, but I will not divulge them here nor by e-mail - just do a bit of googling. Also, install antivirus software, get some spyware removal tools and a good firewall such as Sygate. All that can be had for free and legal too.

ps: sadloner never heard of the term 'Wake on LAN' apparently. Via a network (LAN cable) your PC can be started and shut down.

Answer 3

Okay I am confused. Your computer can start up from off??? Thats highly impossible. I can understand if it shuts down or restart but startng up by itself if it is off??

Okay have you tried a virus check? A spyware check? Then if it doesnt show any results you can check your ventilation inside the computer...

Answer 4

Then turn it off at night. You do know your PC is infected.

Pirated? Did you say Pirated? I'm venting now!!!

There are free open source versions of most popular commercial software, so "Piracy" just doesn't make any sense to me.

Examples include Windows vs Kubuntu, M$-Office vs Open Office, PhotoShop vs GimpShop, WinZIP vs IZArc, Norton vs AVG Free, etc., all free.

I feel better now.

Answer 5

It sounds like it is overheating and restarting itself. your computer is not a ghost computer haha!


Check your fans in your computer and make sure all of them are working and you might want to think about adding more fans

Answer 6

reinstall windows
http://mypchelp.blogspot.com/2006/10/windows-reinstallation.html
and install security software
http://mypchelp.blogspot.com/2006/10/essential-free-internet-security.html