Help! Is this a virus or something!?!

[Wubsie 1,123]

Can you guys help me real quick. I am panicking right now because a little black box with code on it keeps popping up on my screen and it's giving me a weird feeling. 

Is it malware or spyware A virus maybe?? 

Halp. 

EDIT: I have Norton 360 running in the background doing a full system scan right now.

Can you guys help me figure out what this black box is?

Edited December 24, 2012 by Double D

[Kapi 215]

What version of Windows are you running, and what, if any programs are you running when that happens, and what are your Windows Update settings? (Auto install, auto download, or prompt?)

 

I'm thinking its just a harmless command prompt window, some programs actually pop open a command prompt window when they're running, or installing.

[Betez 1,734]

How long hasit been happening? Do you remember doinganything out of the ordinary that may have downloaded a virus? Is it like a message box, or Command Prompt?

[Wubsie 1,123]

I just downloaded painter12. I have a windows 7 computer. But I used a serial code I found on yt. -_-;

The only things in there BG were google, mlp forums, and DeviantART.

Nothing else. 

This started to happen a few mins ago. It has stopped but it might come back. 

Edited December 24, 2012 by Double D

[Celtore 2,770]

A black box with code? I think you might be referring to a command prompt window. I would scan for spyware and malware in case you might have had a drive-by download, but there's also the chance that a legitimate service is causing your issue as well.

[Retro*Derpy 3,183]

What version of Windows are you running, and what, if any programs are you running when that happens, and what are your Windows Update settings? (Auto install, auto download, or prompt?)   I'm thinking its just a harmless command prompt window, some programs actually pop open a command prompt window when they're running, or installing.

I am also thinking you just happen to have a command prompt window open, and if it is so, can you simply close it? Or just restart your computer and see if it is still there.... 

[Kapi 215]

I'm sticking to the command prompt theory. Actually, my thought is that your computer may just be downloading and installing updates, and that's what caused the box to pop up.

 

HOWEVER, I would certainly keep an eye out for other "odd" things that could be happening, and then looking into them. Judging by your post, if you downloaded that program illegitimately, it may come bundled with some nasty surprises. While I don't condone it, if anyone chooses to go that route, be very, very careful, the only way you'll be 100% safe is if you get it from the vendor directly (and even then, there's a chance something bad will happen!)

 

But, I'm going with Celtore on this, it is probably nothing to worry about!

 

EDIT:

I am also thinking you just happen to have a command prompt window open, and if it is so, can you simply close it? Or just restart your computer and see if it is still there....

Usually, you don't want to exit a command prompt window unless you are the one that opened it and know what it is for. In many cases, a legitimate program, or even some of the updates downloaded from Microsoft, will pop one open to run a script. If you close it out in the middle of the script, it could cause corruption of files or other things. Usually, it doesn't, but its better safe than sorry.

Edited December 24, 2012 by Kapi

[GamerLuna7 207]

Take a picture and show us, i also think it is a command prompt,press control,alt,delete. Go to task manager,click processes,scroll down until you see cmd.exe and click end process

[Concord 1,982]

Norton isn't the best protection system... There really aren't any that can trace every (Literally every.) threat you might confront.

 

There's not much i or any other person here can do for you withouth more information... Sorry

[GamerLuna7 207]

Avast is pretty good,il recommend downloading the free version and running a scan.They detect like 99.99 precent viruses. And also if you are going to get avast,uninstall norton because virus protection softwares dont like if there is multiple softwares like avast and norton.

[CloudsdaleCompanion 342]

In order to find out if there is any malware or virus on your computer I recommend using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. If there is a virus it's sure to tell you.

 

In order to remove it you will either need a normal Anti-Virus Program or if it's a "special" Virus, there are usually special tools made for removing that one virus. Trust me I've had like 100 viruses already. Some can be really sneaky.

 

Even if the removal is a success, I would do re-install as quickly as possible or perhaps even exchange your hard drive. Some viruses can leave permament damage to the OS and some can even survive the formatting of a hard disk.

[Arlette Mori 22]

Ad-aware is also a great program to download. When I use to work in technical support all of us would cringe when we had to remote into a computer that had Nortons or McAfee as their Antivirus. They cause way too many issues. 

There hasn't been a response to this thread in a couple days. Are you still having the same issue?

[Strawberry Tart 161]

First of all, Norton sucks, I hear, because

1. It makes your computer slow

2. It is extremely hard to get rid of. 

 

I'm not sure whether you have a virus or what, but I recommend getting another software. 

 

(I have Norton and I have no clue how to get rid of it, so...yeah.)

[truemlp_fan98 20]

That Could be a virus man, my Uncle works in Computer Tech @ Land's End (it's a catalogue clothing company they sell suits and stuff) he mans the techdesk there and i called him and he said it sounds dangerous I think you better get that checked out.

First of all, Norton sucks, I hear, because

1. It makes your computer slow

2. It is extremely hard to get rid of. 

 

I'm not sure whether you have a virus or what, but I recommend getting another software. 

 

(I have Norton and I have no clue how to get rid of it, so...yeah.)

I've got to agree! Norton is the sucks!!! Norton sucks like hell. It couldnt even get rid of the virus my stupid mom put on my laptop.

[go away seb 367]

I have Norton and I have no clue how to get rid of it, so...yeah.

There is no way for you to uninstall Norton. You need to wipe literally your entire computer. It sucks. There are 20 rounds of updates and you have to reinstall all your crap.

 

Yeah, you need to post a screencap, Wubs. It sounds like Command Prompt, but just to be sure.

[Wubsie 1,123]

Well I didn't buy it and my mom would rage if I deleted it Norton 360 since 199 days are remaining on my subscription.

The command prompt isn't doing this anymore but I'll look out for it.

Edited January 6, 2013 by ~Wubs~

[Commander Urdnot 2,680]

The "Black box" you're seeing is command prompt. It means SOMETHING is doing stuff to your computer. Whether it is something updating, or a program is executing (Malignant or benign) commands. If you installed a shady program, I would be worried, if not, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

It definitely wouldn't hurt to run a scan. I HATE Norton, Avast, AVG, and especially McAfee, not only do they cost money, but they also use A CRAP TON of system resources, and it's just not necessary. I recommend Microsoft Security essentials, Malwarebytes, and Glary Utilities. They're all efficient, lightweight, and FREE.

[be my waifu 2,842]

u cant hack or nuthin I got norton

 

It definitely wouldn't hurt to run a scan. I HATE Norton, Avast, AVG, and especially McAfee, not only do they cost money, but they also use A CRAP TON of system resources, and it's just not necessary. I recommend Microsoft Security essentials, Malwarebytes, and Glary Utilities. They're all efficient, lightweight, and FREE.

 

QFT. I've been using MSE for awhile now and it works fine. Which is strange, because it comes from Microsoft.

[Strawberry Tart 161]

There is no way for you to uninstall Norton. You need to wipe literally your entire computer. It sucks. There are 20 rounds of updates and you have to reinstall all your crap.

 

Yeah, you need to post a screencap, Wubs. It sounds like Command Prompt, but just to be sure.

 

I got my dad to uninstall Norton and I still have everything I had before he did. (Not sure how he did it, but hey, not complaining.)

[ToridAkbolto 170]

Actually I was able to uninstall Norton manually using their provided uninstallation tool.

 

https://www-secure.symantec.com/norton-support/jsp/help-solutions.jsp?docid=kb20080710133834EN_EndUserProfile_en_us&product=home&pvid=f-home&version=1&lg=en&ct=us

 

Check it out and see if it helps you. 

[Jokuc 8,173]

@,

If this is what you're seeing

 

 

 

 

 

It's just cmd. Nothing to worry about. It pops up on my screen cause some programs are using it. Though be sure to check out it's not some weird program you don't want using it.

 

Also, don't worry about getting rid of norton. Some people here seem to be all stupid. Norton does not suck, stick with it until the bought ver ends or whatever.

 

Norton is good, there's just some programs that's better. I prefer Avast, it's free and gets the job done. There's a bit of discussion in here if you're interested

http://mlpforums.com/topic/13167-best-antivirus-program/