Desktop Computer icon replicates itself

[RJKinsman]

OK, this is apparently a weird problem. I can't seem to find a thread addressing it.

The "Computer" icon on my desktop tends to replicate itself. When I show the desktop, suddenly I see "Computer" 12 times or more. I seem to be able to re-create the problem when closing tabs in Google Chrome, but I'm not sure if it's limited to Chrome.

I'm uploading a png file showing the multiple computer icons.

Any clues? Thanks!

 

[koolkat77]

What security software do you use?

Make scans with the following:

-Kaspersky TDSSKiller

• Anti-rootkit utility TDSSKiller

-ESET online scanner

• Free Online Virus Scanner | ESET

Perform a System File Check:

1. Click on the start rb:
2. Type CMD on Search
3. Left click and Run as Administrator
4. Type SFC /scannow

Full tutorial here:

• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

 

[RJKinsman]

OK, so hold on there, it looks like you're jumping to a conclusion. Are you thinking this is caused by malware? Help me figure out how you got there. Thanks.

This is a corporate laptop. My IT department installed McAfee Suite, including VirusScan Enterprise.

 

[gregrocker]

The logical first steps for what you present are to check for infection and then check for System file damage. I would also use Malwarebytes.

In addition MucAfee is one of the worst infections we see here. Uninstalling it solves most issues where is is present. Maybe it has a completely different IT solution not written by Typhoid Mary but for consumer Win7 it is the worst.

 

[RJKinsman]

OK, thanks, @gregrocker. I'll run a Malwarebytes scan, it can't hurt. As far as uninstalling McAfee, it's not an option. I won't be able to connect to corporate network if it's not there.

 

[RJKinsman]

I ran a Malwarebytes full scan in safe mode. Removed a single threat -- "PUP.FunWebProducts" not sure if this solved the problem, or if it just went away after re-booting. Next time it starts happening, I'll just re-boot and re-post if here.

Thanks!

 

[gregrocker]

Fun Web products can be hard to root out sometimes. I would also run SuperAntiSpyware, look closely at your browser add-ons and only enable those which you know are required to display the page correctly - normally Flash, Shockwave, WMP or QT player add-on

 

[Layback Bear]

Here is another helpful program. Take a read here.
Download AdwCleaner 2.104 Free - Adware and toolbar remover - Softpedia

 

[RJKinsman]

OK, now I'm really not convinced removing FunWebProducts had any relevence to the original problem posted ("Computer desktop icon replicates itself"). So, here's the latest symptom. It started happening again. It is clearly related to Chrome. Once it starts happening, I can cause another icon to appear by opening and then closing a tab in Chrome. As soon as I close the tab, another Computer icon appears. Here's the weird thing. I re-booted, and all of the icons disappeared. And the problem stopped happening. By the way, this has been happening for a long time (over a year). I just got annoyed enough (and have some free time) to post about it.

 

[gregrocker]

Try IE9 or Firefox to see the difference.

Any installed Google program is spyware which will paste interest ads everywhere you go based on intensive spying it does on you. You can only partially mitigate this using Opt Out of Network Advertising.

I don't install any Google programs, stay signed out of their sites, only using the stable Google search box built into Firefox or IE9 which blocks them from spying.

 

[RJKinsman]

Paranoid much?

 

[RJKinsman]

Personally, I love all things google -- Chrome, Voice, gmail, drive and more. As far as I'm concerned, the ads are not intrusive, and if it's free to me and paid for by someone else, fine. No problem. I'd be very surprised if it was google advertising replicating the Computer icon on my desktop. Seriously. But I draw the line at Android. Tried it, hate it. All of my mobile devices run iOS. And that's just because sadly, webOS failed.

 

[UsernameIssues]

... But I draw the line at Android. Tried it, hate it. All of my mobile devices run iOS. And that's just because sadly, webOS failed.

Time will tell if "they" can make this work well:
Update: Canonical prepares Ubuntu for smartphones - Computerworld

Can you specify the info needed to attempt replicating this issue:
Chrome version, theme, plugins, settings that you think might help...
OS theme...

 

[RJKinsman]

Interesting article about Ubuntu. I had a terrible experience with it on a netbook, long sad story. Ended up falling back to Windows. I might be willing to give it a shot on a phone, but I would be very cautious. I run my life out that thing! Could be quite disruptive. I might try putting it on my old Treo that is sitting around doing nothing, just to play with it.

Anyway...

Here's the information you requested...
Chrome Version 24.0.1312.45 beta-m (BTW, it says "Google Chrome is up to date.")
Default Theme (hmmm... never tried themes. Interesting)
Extensions:
AddThis - Share & Bookmark (new) 2.9.9
CloudShare Plugin 1.4.4.0
DB 3.0 (Unofficial Dropbox application (icon/link)
Google Voice (by Google) 2.3.6.8
IE Tab 3.10.10.1
LastPass 2.0.14
Tabs to the front! 0.2.4
WebSlingPlayer 1.5.7.158

 

[RJKinsman]

One other thing, it's not easy to replicate. Once it starts happening, it keeps happening until I reboot. But I'm not sure what sequence of events leads up to it starting to happen.

 

[gregrocker]

Paranoid much?

Not until it started parsing what I was writing in emails, pasting ads based on what I'd just written to a friend. These ads will follow you everywhere you go, to other devices, sites, etc. and are so intrusive they'll even limit ads to exactly what you (confidentially) tell correspondents you're looking for. That much you can mitigate with the Advertising Initiative, but just the fact that Google can do this is too much for me.

 

[RJKinsman]

Paranoid much?

Not until it started parsing what I was writing in emails, pasting ads based on what I'd just written to a friend. These ads will follow you everywhere you go, to other devices, sites, etc. and are so intrusive they'll even limit ads to exactly what you (confidentially) tell correspondents you're looking for. That much you can mitigate with the Advertising Initiative, but just the fact that Google can do this is too much for me.

I understand that concern, I've heard it before, and I know it's doing it. It doesn't bother me. I know it's a just a machine. Actually sometimes it's kind of amusing.

 

[AddRAM]

Just take the computer icon off the desktop.

right click the desktop> click personalize> change desktop icons> uncheck the computer icon> click ok

see if it works.

 

[RJKinsman]

Just take the computer icon off the desktop.

right click the desktop> click personalize> change desktop icons> uncheck the computer icon> click ok

see if it works.

Thanks, @AddRAM. Yes, I've done that, but after removing them, the icons just start replicating again until I reboot.

 

[AddRAM]

Tell me how you got it to do that, I want it on 1 of my machines.