Two desktops running at the same time. Background programs running.


  1. Posts : 4
    Windows 7 Started
       #1

    Two desktops running at the same time. Background programs running.


    I noticed this issue a little while back. As I shutdown/restart my laptop, I notice it switches to a secondary desktop that has been running programs.
    A good example would be trying to open my Task Manager, I can Ctrl-Alt-Del and it will allow me to open Task Manager - however when I click on Task Manager, it opens on the Desktop running in the background.
    I can't even access the Desktop in the background, it only shows up as I'm shutting down - closing programs that I tried opening awhile ago.

    I really hope this makes sense.. it's getting frustrating.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 6,292
    Windows 7 64 Bit Home Premium SP1
       #2

    It sounds like you have a virtual desktop.

    This is not something that could 'just happen' in Windows 7. You would need to install a third party program to do this.

    So if you did not install anything that might add virtual desktop capability, or this is not a situation where you inherited or obtained this computer from someone else and are not quite sure what is installed on it, then I would suggest first running virus and malware scans to start.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 4
    Windows 7 Started
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Well that's a little troubling.. I'll look into virtual desktops - I'm assuming it's some sort of Malware, but I've ran a few different checks and it didn't come back with anything too obvious. Any suggestions for free malware scanners? Or any other way to get rid of this?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 6,292
    Windows 7 64 Bit Home Premium SP1
       #4

    Lots of folks here like free Malwarebytes.
    Malwarebytes Anti-Malware - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

    You are sure it is nothing you did (installed)?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 4
    Windows 7 Started
    Thread Starter
       #5

    I don't recall intentionally installing some sort of virtual desktop - all I can think of is recently installing Freenet, which I can't seem to get rid of. I wouldn't be surprised if that had something to do with it.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 6,292
    Windows 7 64 Bit Home Premium SP1
       #6

    Don't know anything about Freenet.

    Try using CCleaner or RevoUninstaller to get rid of it.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 4
    Windows 7 Started
    Thread Starter
       #7

    TVeblen, just tried Malwarebytes and it did the trick. Thanks so much for the responses! You just saved me a massive headache, cheers! I had an embarrassing amount of Trojans and backdoor agents...
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 6,292
    Windows 7 64 Bit Home Premium SP1
       #8

    So glad to hear that!

    And thank you for teaching me to stay far away from Freenet.
      My Computer


 

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