My Acer Windows laptop has started freezing, and when I try to type, it sometimes produces a long string of plus signs like "++++++". A few days ago, two or three Command Prompt windows briefly appeared and closed whenever I turned the laptop on. I'm worried that I may have downloaded malware or a Trojan. What should I check, and how can I fix this?
2 Answers
Before assuming it’s a virus, check whether the plus key is physically stuck or something is pressing it. Try an external keyboard, clean around the key, and see whether the repeated plus signs happen in every program. If the key behaves normally but the freezing continues, focus on malware scans and startup programs.
The Command Prompt windows and freezing could be related to malware, but they might also come from a startup program, faulty driver, or keyboard problem. Start with Windows Security and run a Full scan. If that finds nothing, run Microsoft Defender Offline Scan, which checks the system before Windows fully starts. You can also test the laptop in Safe Mode; if the issue stops there, a startup app or driver is a likely cause.
I already have third-party antivirus software installed. Can I use that instead?