Nonsensical red characters appearing on screen

[thinkingthought]

Exactly what the title says. I would post a screenshot, but I am not the user of the computer that does this.

Random red characters that don't mean anything just show up. Moving windows around makes them vanish, as does clicking the screen, but then it seems as thought they appear faster...could just be my imagination though. Anyone got any suggestions? I've never had to deal with a virus before (Mac user), so any help you could offer I would GREATLY apprectiate it! :)

-allen

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

Hello, and welcome to the Windows Forum!

Do I assume correctly that this is happening on a Windows PC? Does it have any anti-virus and anti-spyware protection? Does it have a firewall installed?

If it has anti-virus & anti-spyware, run a full scan. If it does not detect anything, my next suggestion would be to download and run HijachThis. Please read this topic on HijackThis, and how to post the resulting log file.

[-pops-]

What are these characters - letters, odd shapes or?

If it's still there when you've eliminated malware, as suggested by Pat, it may be worthwhile checking the graphics card - whether it is seated properly. Does this effect appear after the machine has been running for a while? If it has a fan, is that running OK? Does it seem to be hot?

If you can, try another graphics card.

[Lukus]

Agree with pops. The only time I have ever encountered anything remotely similar to what you are describing was with a faulty graphics card. If possible, try another card.

I'm not aware of a virus that could cause such effects, but you never know!