document contents containing passwords wiped but not by user

Windymiller · 03 Jul 2013

I have 3 documents of password files. 2 were copies. I carefully updated the main one and renamed it
adding "after crash" to title so I could distinguish it. I checked the copies, which I did not want, had no info that was not on the main file, and wiped the contents before deleting the files as they had passwords on. The main copy has also been wiped though I am pretty well certain I did not do it. I typed PASSWORD SECURED at the top in white on red so I could not make this mistake. It is the only one of the three that is password secured.

Is this likely to be warning sign of a virus or can I just delete the files and startagain ? I can remember most of the really important passwords.

Also, can I change my passwords from another computer (my husband's) as recommended by another forum.

Anak · 03 Jul 2013

Some questions/observations first:

What do you use as a word processor?
What version is it?
I recall that multiple files can be linked so that may explain why/how your original was wiped.
If you haven't recently run a virus scan you should, just on principle. If the scan comes back clean, delete the files and start over.
What do you use as a anti-virus/malware protector?

This is, to me, a mite confusing:

Also, can I change my passwords "from" another computer (my husband's) as recommended by another forum.

Should "from" be "on"?

Also, can I change my passwords "on" another computer (my husband's) as recommended by another forum.

If there is a sign of infidelity I would change my passwords on your mate's machine, but he may have it password protected and you won't be able to unless you have the master password.

Windymiller · 03 Jul 2013

Thanks for your prompt reply. I use an Elite 3470 Mesh Computer about a month old. Set up for Windows 7 with Microsoft Office 2010 installed. I have McAfee and WinPatrol installed and the free version of Malwarebytes.
I think you are right and the files were somehow linked and when I wiped the text from one, I managed to wipe it from all three. So long as they are wiped and gone I can redo them. I will shred the blank files as well to make sure.

I will change the passwords if I have any further trouble at all.

Thanks again.

mitchell65 · 03 Jul 2013

Is it really wise to keep a record of your passwords on your computer? A separate record (Old fashioned pencil and paper) kept in your undies drawer might be better!

Windymiller · 03 Jul 2013

Thanks I am coming to that conclusion myself ! But we live in an enormous barrack of a place with too many hiding places so I need to really settle on a sensible one first !

Windymiller · 03 Jul 2013

re: last post of mine. Finding a sensible hiding place should be my first priority.

mitchell65 · 03 Jul 2013

Windymiller said:

Thanks I am coming to that conclusion myself ! But we live in an enormous barrack of a place with too many hiding places so I need to really settle on a sensible one first !

Perhaps you should leave a message on your computer saying where you hid the notes containing your passwords

Mind you according to your profile Time Zone you reside in the US so perhaps the location of your hiding place might get confusing!

boohbah · 03 Jul 2013

you could also use a browser password extension that will allow you to store them on their servers . no need to worry about losing them then or house fires etc.
i use roboform.
there is also last pass

Password Manager, Form Filler, Password Management | RoboForm Password Manager

https://lastpass.com/

mitchell65 · 03 Jul 2013

B it worried about the RoboManager. I have just played the video on their website and whilst it gives a good indication of the software after the Form filler part of the video there is a very detailed video on how to hack into someones' IPhone! Even I could do it!