Computer Security & Viruses/Mouse typing on its own

Advertisement

Expert: - 8/28/2010


Question
I am using Windows XP on desktop PC.
When I open a Word document or text file, there are '+' characters added line by line whenever I click the mouse in the document. The mouse is an optical mouse.

Answer
This could be many things. Here are a few to check.
1. Mouse drivers- make sure they are up to date.
2. Spyware or malware- if you don't have any security software, try Malwarebytes. It is free and you can get it at www.malwarebytes.org. Download, scan, and fix the problems if it finds any.
3. Try another mouse and see if the same problem exists.

Computer Security & Viruses

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Keith Davis

Expertise

Advice on how to avoid viruses and spyware. Suggestions on what software to run to avoid viruses and spyware. Identification of spyware, trojans, or virus infections. Overall system security.

Experience

As a PC tech, removing and identifying many viruses and trojans from customer's PCs.

Education/Credentials
4 classes short of a Networking degree.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.