Windows 7: I think I've got spyware!!!

I think my Windows 7 may have spyware!!! Twice today I noticed that when my screensaver was active, it disappeared and went back to my desktop. It just happened again. Are these symptoms of spyware???

Hi, codyw.

No, that isn't generally a symptom of spyware. Did you or someone touch the computer keyboard or mouse? Did a scheduled task run? Your antivirus or anti-malware software update?

If in doubt, update your anti-malware software and run a scan.

No one but me was around. I ran Malwarebytes and Norton and they didn't find anything. However, I was talking to a friend a couple of seconds ago and they were telling me that the are having the exact problem. They have Windows XP and that has been happening to them since Friday. They are thinking it has to do with the updates on Friday that were installed. They also told me that on my modem/router that when you have spyware (and you're not accessing the internet), the lights for the internet on your internet equipment will be flickering even though you're not on the internet. The other thing he said was sluggish performance, low computer juices (CPU, memory, etc.)

Makes perfect sense!

hi!

i agree with Corrine, it can have a very natural explanation....

once my computer started in the middle of the night !
i said some 4-letter words that i cannot repeat here and turned it off....
later that day after analyzing i found the cause: MSE had tried to update,
and as i had by mistake changed a setting allowing scheduled tasks to turn on my computer, it started....

codyw: what Antivirus / Antimalware-programs do you use ?

hackerman1,

It appears he uses MBAM and NAV:

yes, i saw that AFTER i have posted, because codyw posted that information while i was writing my reply.
i might be senile but i´m not blind...

I use Norton Internet Security 2010 and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

yes, i noticed, see my post above...

No comment.

I seriously think your computer is fine. However, if you'd like to do another check, I suggest an on-line scan.

Please go here and run an on-line scan with the F-Secure scanner:

• Use IE (Internet Explorer), accept the license terms, and allow the Active-X controls to load.
• Click Full System Scan and allow the components to download and the scan to complete.
• If malware is found during the scan, check Submit samples to F-Secure and Automatic cleaning.

Let us know how you make out.

It's not showing any signs of being infected so I am guessing that Norton is doing its job!