I think I might have a virus because my computer is laughing at me (serious)

malakargaim

Prominent
Oct 15, 2017
2
0
510
Ok so just today I noticed that my computer was making a weird laughing noise at random times, I even had somebody else here and they noticed it too. I also saw it on an audio monitor, so I'm not just hearing things. It also seems to change a little bit every once in awhile. I don't currently have an anti-virus because I had to uninstall AVG to install Itunes. I currently have my computer off and I'm wondering what to do next.
 
Solution
This is very strange -- have any of your files been encrypted or have you received any popups/warning messages? Some strains of ransomware have been known to utilize audio files, here's one example: https://mysonicwall.com/SonicAlert/searchresults.aspx?ev=article&id=1050

Others have "themes," like Jigsaw (for which we have a decryptor, you can see examples here) https://www.avast.com/ransomware-decryption-tools

In any case, I would very strongly recommend disconnecting the computer from the net and performing a boot-time scan with your AV of choice (here's how to do it with Avast -- https://support.avast.com/en-us/article/132) Often these threats can re-populate themselves, depending on what was quarantined or the programs you used...
Would be interesting to hear the audio....

May not necessarily be a virus per se. Could someone be pranking you?

Suggest that you first do a data backup and verify that the backup worked.

Next run Task Manager and see what all is running on your computer. Explore all of the tabs - no need for any immediate action.

Look for some unknown app launching during startup.

Overall just try to find something running that you do not recognize and investigate (google) to find out what it may be.

Remove that from Startup and see if the laughter goes away...

Or stop the application, etc. via "End task".

Do be careful with "End task" as you may inadvertently shutdown your system.



 

Avast-Team

Estimable
Mar 3, 2017
225
1
5,165
This is very strange -- have any of your files been encrypted or have you received any popups/warning messages? Some strains of ransomware have been known to utilize audio files, here's one example: https://mysonicwall.com/SonicAlert/searchresults.aspx?ev=article&id=1050

Others have "themes," like Jigsaw (for which we have a decryptor, you can see examples here) https://www.avast.com/ransomware-decryption-tools

In any case, I would very strongly recommend disconnecting the computer from the net and performing a boot-time scan with your AV of choice (here's how to do it with Avast -- https://support.avast.com/en-us/article/132) Often these threats can re-populate themselves, depending on what was quarantined or the programs you used.

It sounds like you may have multiple infections as well, and given that, if at all possible the safest option is to wipe the machine, restore, and make sure you have anti-malware and anti-ransomware protection in the future!
 
Solution

itzzcarter

Prominent
Nov 1, 2017
6
0
520
Try opening task manager (click on search enter taskmanager + enter) and see if there is any suspicious activity, also search on windows add or remove a program and see if is on there. Thanks if I helped upvote me plz! -Carter