computer spontaneously slowing down... keylogger?

[MNOB07]

Ok it's like I know a fair amount of stuff that has to do with PC Hardware, and some software, but as far as security goes I know nothing more than simple stuff about router firewalls, forwarding ports (I'm a newb.)

I have this computer with a problem. It slows down to a stop every minute or so, then resumes like normal. On some restarts the system speaker beeps. Sometimes I go to type something in somewhere, and the computer will lag up. From these symptons, do you think it could be a keylogger, one that takes screenshots every so often? I rememeber hearing one person say they suspected a keylogger after noticing lag when typing and sure enough it was. And what would be the best way to check and know for sure if I have a keylogger? I have Avast antivirus always running, and perform regular Adaware scans and they both find nothing.

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: MNOB07
It slows down to a stop every minute or so, then resumes like normal. On some restarts the system speaker beeps.

Does it beep just once? Or is there a sequence? You should look up the beep codes for your mobo, could be a hardware problem.

Sometimes I go to type something in somewhere, and the computer will lag up. From these symptons, do you think it could be a keylogger, one that takes screenshots every so often?

So which is it... every minute or so regardless of typing? Or only when you type? Both? Keyloggers don't take screenshots.

I rememeber hearing one person say they suspected a keylogger after noticing lag when typing and sure enough it was. And what would be the best way to check and know for sure if I have a keylogger? I

I can only suggest you run the best of the free antivirus and antispyware progs, maybe microsoft antispyware, hijackthis, etc. The only way to know for _sure_ would be to dump core and anylize it i suppose, but I'd rather just reformat.

 

[ValuedCustomer]

run msconfig.exe and take a look at what's starting at bootup. If you find something that looks odd or you just aren't sure what it does disable it and see if you can tell any difference in performance.

 

[MNOB07]

actually I just think it's every minute, and I know some programs take screenshots along with/instead of logging keys typed. I don't have the mobo manual for the beeps but you're right it might be a hardware problem.. although I don't know why it only beeps sometimes then? right now it's completely silent when it does it.

I'm not exactly trying to get rid of it because I'm close to another reformat anyway. Mostly identifying it. I'll try MS Anti-spyware.

ValuedCustomer: I tried that and I don't see a difference, but I might try and stop more of the stuff

 

[dnuggett]

If there were a keylogger installed and you found it, shame on them. Seriously since you do not know what you are looking for I'd run the usual tools and if that came up short I'd DBAN and reinstall.

Do you have a static or dynamic IP address? Reason I ask is you are now a known target if that was a keylogger reporting back to a hack. Depending on how bored the person is who found you they may just put it right back after you go online. If you have static that is, if you have a dymanic addy release the current one and get a new addy before you go back online after the reformat. Either way what kind of firewall/security setup do you use?

How long have you been operating like that? Is this your main rig?

 

[Rolcahl]

You might also want to run a trojan scan on your computer. http://www.windowsecurity.com/trojanscan/

 

[MNOB07]

Basically all I have as far as security goes is Avast! antivirus always running, and a router which I understand is a "hardware firewall." Router security settings are basically stock so the ports are closed except for one that I used for a bittorrent. Window's security has caused problems so that is left off (however I still keep service packs and updates up to date.)

It hasn't been operating like this for long, but actually it was acting somewhat similair (basically just REALLY slow from like 3 years of no maintenance or anything and used by 4 people) that was maybe 6 months ago and at that time I went through a whole HJT log with somebody and cleaned a lot of stuff out. I'm not sure if I have a static or dynamic ip address, but I have adelphia cable if that helps.

I can't do anything with it right now but I'll be back in about 3 hours.

 

[dnuggett]

If it's cable then you most likely have a dynamic addy, so you are in luck there. Your router, what is the make/model? Very few are true firewalls. Most use NAT so that is a step in the right direction, but it does not protect you from a direct attack. The Windows firewall in XP is decent, well at least better then nothing. If you can use that I would. Zonealarm is another decent firewall. The antivirus always running is fine... unless that is a source of bog for your system. It shouldn't be, but if you are close on RAM it might be. Run a Ctrl Alt Del and look under performance. What is the peak # listed? How much RAM do you have installed?

Also post a Hi Jack This log in your reply so we can take a look at what you need to get rid of. After we get done with all that, look at this guide.

 

[Kibbo86]

trendmicro.com has free online virus scanning and ASW scanning. Give it a try, they've found things my AV program missed (AntiVir).