[Fieldmouse]

Hi, I'm new here. I was wondering if there is a way to check out a file I downloaded before I install it. It "seems" to be legitimate, but it is an ".exe" file. The file is a "sticky notes" program that was recommended called "Quick Notes Plus." I checked it for viruses and checked it with Spyware catchers, and they found nothing but what I want to know is if you can tell if it is a keylogger without opening it? Is there a website where you can up load a file and they will check it?

Also, I worked for months with another online Tech help site and they could never find what this problem is. I used HiJack This, all the online scanners, spyware catchers, VX2 cleaner...you name it. What happens is that once in awhile (not always) when I am typing info in a webpage box, an address box will pop up near the bottom and what I am typing is being typed in that box instead of the box I began typing in. To the left of the mystery popped up address bar is a red box with a white "x" in it. I have never found or caught it. It was on my desktop computer and I finally gave up on it. I recently got a new laptop. Before transferring my info, I virus-scanned every file, and they were "clean." Now that darn thing pops up on the NEW laptop! I'm at my wit's end. Please help. Thanks, Sally

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an "exe" by definition, is an "executable" a file that does something. You have scanned the file, and it seems to be okay. Did you download it from a website you trust? If you did not get the exe from a trusted site, discard it. If you run an exe that contains malicious code, it will do whatever it is designed to do, and you gave it full permission when you ran it.

As far as the address box coming out of nowhere, can you post a screenshot of it the next time it happens? Maybe we can figure what it is, why it's showing up, and how to make it stop.
Johanna

[Johanna]

an "exe" by definition, is an "executable" a file that does something. You have scanned the file, and it seems to be okay. Did you download it from a website you trust? If you did not get the exe from a trusted site, discard it. If you run an exe that contains malicious code, it will do whatever it is designed to do, and you gave it full permission when you ran it.

As far as the address box coming out of nowhere, can you post a screenshot of it the next time it happens? Maybe we can figure what it is, why it's showing up, and how to make it stop.
Johanna

[Fieldmouse]

Well, I downloaded it from CNet Download.com, but I did not execute it once it was downloaded. I only saved the file. I was wondering if there is a site where I could upload it and they check it out for malicious code.

I will try to get a screenshot of the box the next time it comes up. It disappears usually in less than three seconds so it has been hard for me to capture it.

If you know of a site that checks out files like the one I downloaded, please let me know. Thanks! Sally

[Fieldmouse]

I can't believe it! Just after I sent this, I went to look on the Starbucks site, and started to type in the number of the Starbuck's address I wanted the telephone number for, and low and behold the RED BOX POPPED UP!!! This has been a YEAR I have tried to capture it! I am attaching the screenshot of it below. S.

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[Maki]

Haha, thats the find box. Every time you type Ctrl + F - it will appear, it helps us find things on the internet, here, I'll show you. Type Ctrl + F - then inside that box put in: Maki, then click Find next and it will direct you to all the things that say Maki - if you tick Highlight all, then Maki will highlight.

[Fieldmouse]

What do you mean, "the Find box?" I never had it before my old computer told me I had "Netster." I had used that computer for two years before that box ever showed up. But no "Netster" ever showed up on any of the virus scanners, etc. And I didn't have it on my new computer until I put all the stuff from my old computer onto it.

[Fieldmouse]

I did the "Ctrl + F" as you said, but that is not the same box. The box I get is the one shown on the screenshot that is red with a box at the left end, red with a white X in it. The one I got when I did as you said was a typical Windows box. Not the same.

[Johanna]

In IE Control f will put a Blue Windows box in the center of the screen. The screencap you posted was done from the browser named Firefox, and that is how Firefox displays the "find" feature.
Johanna

[Fieldmouse]

Oh....I see! It evidently just isn't installed correctly or something because it disappears if I stop for a second or two. Thank you very much!