Hi.
I obviously think I have a problem, otherwise I wouldn't have signed up and make a complete fool of my self in a public forum.
Please excuse my lack of technical knowledge.
I bought a brand new laptop about 6 weeks ago. Lenovo brand.
I asked my IT guy from work if he could install Photoshop. He is always telling me he will do me favors like that. I gave him my laptop for a day so he can install Photoshop and Windows 7.
Now I'm nervous!
I never noticed before tonight but when I turned on the laptop a small red/orange icon and the word Phoenix appeared (only for a second) in the lower right hand corner of the screen. Sort of where the date and time is located. I did a google search and found a software company, and the red icon I saw was definitely their logo.
I went to Start > All Programs to see if I saw anything from Phoenix software, but didnt. Then I searched the C drive and libraries (not really knowing what I was doing or looking for) and I found this:
Search results in Computer >
Phoenix
C\:Program Files (x86)\Java\jre6\lib\zi\America Type: File Date modified 2/4/2012 3:29 PM Size 14 bytes
I don't know what this means.
I cant be 100% sure of the date my IT guy had my laptop, but it was the beginning of February.
I might be paranoid, but this guy is a little creepy, and I am a single woman. I'm nervous he might have installed something on my computer. I never really thought about someone doing something like that before, but it freeked me out to see that little icon, I dont think I ever saw when the machine started up.
Also, I have asked him about the speed of my computer, because it runs much slower than before. I also lose my connection to the internet a lot. I have wireless at home, and have never had issues before.
Is there a way to check for certain to see if someone put some sort of Spyware on my laptop?
I appreciate the help in advance.
Thanks!
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
Welcome to the forums! I will be helping you with your problems today. Please give me some time to review your questions, and I will be back with you shortly.
NoodleTech
Can you please tell me the name of the software company you found from your Google search?
I'd also like for you to run the following scan so I can check to see what programs you have installed on your computer and what was recently installed:
Please download DDS by sUBs from one of the following links and save it to your desktop.
Double click DDS icon to run the tool (may take up to 3 minutes to run)
When done, DDS.txt will open.
After a few moments, attach.txt will open in a second window.
Save both reports to your desktop.
—————————————————
Post the contents of the DDS.txt report in your next reply
Attach the Attach.txt report to your post by scrolling down to the Attachments area and then clicking Browse. Browse to where you saved the file, and click Open and then click UPLOAD.
The first link you posted, (DDS..scr) didnt open anything. It said "about:blank"
The second link (DDS..pif) downloaded a video converter by FoxTab???
The Logo I saw, with the red/orange icon said Pheonix.
I snapped a picture with my cell; but I cant figure out how to post a picture. Grrrr
I will keep trying to do this all correctly.
Hi Debbie,
Let's address the logo first. Phoenix Technologies is a legitimate company that manufactures BIOS chips. BIOS chips are found on any and every computer you buy. The chip allows the computer to start up, perform a self-test, then load the operating system (Windows in your case). It is not a keylogger or a piece of spyware by any means. I am not sure why you didn't see the logo prior. Most computers display the logo/splash screen for a few seconds after the computer starts up. Some computers have the option to disable/enable it. The IT guy may have simply enabled the splash screen. It is nothing to worry about.
I can still take a look at your computer and see if the IT guy installed anything funky, but that would require running DDS.
What browser are you using to download DDS?
