"ghost" emails

[hannah]

Please advise me.

something v weird is going on - while I type emails the text of my email appear in the body of the email my mum was writing on her machine. ( wrote my emails in Outlook, via gmail POP. She uses Outlook to access her virgin email account. This has also happened while I have typed a search term into google - the text of my search has appeared on her machine.

Her machine is also spontaneously writing goble-de-goop. We are both using NEATGEAR MA111 Wireless broadband to connect to the internet and a third machine is the one we connect through (my dad's pc).

I have updated all anti-virus software and run spy-ware programmes as well as windows updates. We both use firewalls and Windows XP. Neither of us has downloaded anything untoward.

Does anyone know what might be wrong and how I can fix it? Does this mean our computers are insecure re bank details etc?

Many thanks - your help would be much appreciated.

Hannah

 

[mechBgon]

What precise brand and model of antivirus software are you using, what firewall software, and is your wireless access point secured against rogue connections?

 

[hannah]

I am using EZ Antivirus 7.0.5.3, my mother uses Norton Anti-Virus 9.05.15

Using the firewall in XP

Wireless access point is set to accept only connections from listed MAC addresses.

 

[montag451]

Maybe your signal is too strong, can you try shielding the WAP with a small amount of RF shielding - best ask at your local radio shack for details -

How far is your WAP from your computer, your mother's computer?
How far are you and your mother's computer from each other?
I wouldnt be doing any online banking at the moment if i were you, just yet.

And i would also be vvvvv careful what sites you peruse in your leisure. lol

 

[hannah]

Signal is on the weak side. WAP is in room next to mine (approx 3 metres away). My mum's computer is on the opposite side of the house.

We've had wireless for a year and never had this issue before.

 

[montag451]

Could you try another firewall like Zonealarm. Not sure that the problem is that though - What router do you use?

 

[hannah]

Thanks - I will try it, but wd be good to find out why this is happening as well.

Our router is NEATGEAR DG824M

 

[hannah]

In addition to the problems I've already mentioned, when I'm using my computer programs or files seem to spontaneous open on my mother's machine.

 

[montag451]

Might want to get the latest Firmware update for it. They have updated and updated it quite alot. Seems there were issues when it first came onto the market.
Now seems to be good, with the latest firmware.
http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/DG824M.asp
I didn't give you the link direct to the firmware, just in case there is an issue with it, and you come bash me on the nose for screwing up your dad's router.
Talking of which, DONT do this without him knowing, cos, if something does go wrong, ooooohhhhhh deeaaarrrr

 

[hannah]

I have installed zone alarm on both machines but it's still happening - anyone got any other ideas what could be causing this?
many thanks for all your help so far!!

I will get my dad to install the latest firmware when he gets home later

 

[Appledrop]

so as you are typing, the letters appear on your mums pc in realtime? or is it like when you send the email, it appears in her message body text?

 

[hannah]

In real time

 

[montag451]

I really think it is to do with the router.

If it is, maybe possibly, the update might help.

 

[Appledrop]

hm.... why should it be the router though? if it is happening in real time as she says, then i dont see that possible.. the data is not submitted through the network until you press send or something. Besides, she says she has had the set up for over a year, without probs. Sounds like a keylogger perhaps..

Aside from a format of your operating sys, i cant recommend much.. You could take a look at the registry , and see what is set to run on startup

(go to start/run/type Regedit, and then navigate to :- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run)

What programs are set to run?

Strange indeed...

 

[hannah]

On both computers - optional/components are IMAIL, MAPI and MSFS

 

[montag451]

Sorry - I took it to mean that while you were you typing your email, you were online - using a web-based email account.

Ok, that does put a very different light on it.
Are you using RF keyboard [shouldn't be able to reflect the signal throughout the house though]?

 

[montag451]

Does the text appear in one go, or each character while you are actually typing.

Can you see if it is instant time if it is each character - by shouting A B C etc.
If it isn't instant, then it is most likely to be key logger.
What does your dad do on his computer [is he like Robert de Nero's character in Meet the Fockers?]

 

[hannah]

Hi - it is in instant time I just tested it

 

[hannah]

so what could it be, any new ideas?

 

[Appledrop]

Originally posted by: Azzy64
hm.... why should it be the router though? if it is happening in real time as she says, then i dont see that possible.. the data is not submitted through the network until you press send or something. Besides, she says she has had the set up for over a year, without probs. Sounds like a keylogger perhaps..

Aside from a format of your operating sys, i cant recommend much.. You could take a look at the registry , and see what is set to run on startup

(go to start/run/type Regedit, and then navigate to :- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run)

What programs are set to run?

Strange indeed...

 

[montag451]

Need to know what your dad is running on his computer.

A Hijackthis log from his computer would be a place to start.

 

[hannah]

Please can you explain what you mean / how I do this?

Many thanks,

 

[Appledrop]

hann, first go to start -> run.. in the box type regedit

in the window that comes up, expand the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder, then the SOFTWARE folder inside that, and then the Microsoft folder, then the Windows folder, then the Current Version folder, then click the Run folder, and on the right, it will show what programs are set to run upon startup - what are they?

 

[hannah]

optional/components: IMAIL, MAPI AND MSFS

 

[hannah]

just had a thought. I'm using a wireless keyboard and mouse (both microsoft). Mum uses a microsoft wireless mouse. Even though she is on the other side of the house, is it possible that my keyboard is making a signal with her PC?