Computer seems to be deleting cookies, randomly shutting down?

Question

For a couple weeks now, my computer has been having problems with slow loading times and the occasional freeze up. A few times I've had to hard reset because absolutely nothing will respond. That didn't worry me at first, but I can think of three times in as many weeks where my computer would unexpectedly shut down, then start right back up. When I saw it the last time there was even a blue screen (which I haven't seen in quite a while).

On top of that, all of my cookies seem to be disappearing. It started with one website getting logged out half the time, so I didn't think much of it at first, but it's spread to all of the websites that I use. Which worries me.

They could be completely unrelated, I know, but someone here might know better than me. So thanks in advance. =]

Answer 1

It's hard to guess, without seeing the computer, but I would start with the assumption that you are infected with some kind of malware. Unfortunately, if you find one infection, it is highly likely you have another one. A virus, trojan or worm are all different types of infections/malware and there are some great FREE programs that can help you.

First, clean up (delete) your cookies, temp files and temporary internet files. I prefer to use Ccleaner to do this, rather than the built-in DISK CLEANUP, as I feel it does a much more thorough job - for example, it will clean out the index files on your next reboot.

If you want to use Disk Cleanup, you can find it if you:

- Double-Click on My Computer to open it up

- RIGHT-click on your C: drive

- Choose PROPERTIES and then click on the DISK CLEANUP button

- When done, reboot your computer.

Delete these files daily or run Ccleaner every day right before you shut your computer down.

2 - You should also have a good anti-virus program to help protect your computer. AVG FREE, Avast or Avira are excellent anti-virus programs. You can't go wrong in choosing any one of these 3.

3 -Since NONE of the anti- spyware or anti- adware programs are 100% accurate in finding and removing spyware, you need at least two programs which you will run one after the other, not at the same time.

There are three excellent free ones:

- Spybot, Search and Destroy

- Ad-Aware

- Spyware Blaster

You will need to download, install, update (and IMMUNIZE in Spybot) and run them, one at a time. Be careful with the NAME of these programs - there are "look-alikes" with very similar names, that are in fact spyware themselves! Reboot after you install each one!

After this current infection is cleared up, be sure to run both of the above programs at least once a week if you are on the internet frequently and/or like to download music or files.

NOTE: Some infections prevent your from downloading the above programs. You may have to use a clean computer to download the programs and copy them to a thumb drive or CD. Then transfer the install files to the infected computer and run.

--Occasionally you will not be able to run these programs without being in SAFE MODE.  To get there, reboot your computer and tap the F8 key, repeatedly until a menu comes up.  You want to choose SAFE MODE WITH NETWORKING.

4 -You should also have a good firewall to help protect your computer. Zone Alarm makes a totally free version (watch you don't download the 30-day free trial of the paid version). You can download this from the manufacturer at zonelabs dot com

HTH : )

Good luck!

PS - Most of the above programs can be found at www.download.com

Answer 2

Bottom left of your screen click start, then click run. In the box type in CHKDSK.

What that does is it checks your discs for fatal errors or other problems and can self correct them..

Another way, Click start, click my computor, right click C, Click properties, click tools, click check now..

You may also have a serious virus or something related to one and its deliberatly attacking your computor.. Run a complete scan...

Answer 3

you could have a virus or spyware, I would suggest to scan your system with the below programs

SUPERAntiSpyware

Dr.Web CureIt

ClamWin Antivirus

Spyware Terminator

Avast