Computer Hope

Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows XP => Topic started by: SuperDave on January 28, 2015, 04:31:28 PM

Title: Mysterious object
Post by: SuperDave on January 28, 2015, 04:31:28 PM
I noticed this mysterious object on my desktop the other day. It was located down in the lower right hand corner. I can double-click it with no response and right-click but nothing happens. I can move it anywhere on my desktop. As you can see by the pictures it looks like a part of the C in Comodo but the colours don't match.

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Title: Re: Mysterious object
Post by: patio on January 28, 2015, 05:24:23 PM
What does it reveal if you right clik it and select Properties ? ?
Any clues there ? ?
Also as a desktop object you should be able to determine the path...

PS...doesn't look official to me...
Title: Re: Mysterious object
Post by: Geek-9pm on January 28, 2015, 05:28:02 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfZh1m7Fko8
Title: Re: Mysterious object
Post by: SuperDave on January 28, 2015, 06:24:23 PM
That's the strangest thing. Double-clicking doesn't do anything. Right-click doesn't show any drop-down menu but I can move it around like a shortcut. I'm going to try google images.
Title: Re: Mysterious object
Post by: jason2074 on January 28, 2015, 06:29:24 PM
Tried hitting Refresh desktop already or changing screensaver temporarily?
Title: Re: Mysterious object
Post by: BC_Programmer on January 28, 2015, 07:25:46 PM
You might be able to determine at least what program owns the Window. Spy++ is a program that can be used for that but apparently it needs a full Windows SDK install which is hardly worth it in this case.

However, I found WinSpy++ which is an Open Source alternative. That can be had from here (http://www.catch22.net/software/winspy-17). It comes in a zip and requires no install.

You can drag the little finder icon on the left over any other window or control on the screen and get information about it. You <Should> be able to drag it over this goofy weird window thing and determine the process.

One caveat I found is that it only appears to be able to determine the process if the program is a 32-bit executable, so if you are using a 64-bit system and the program creating it is actually 64-bit it won't find it. I can't seem to find a 64-bit alternative besides the aforementioned Spy++ but I don't think it can be redistributed as-is.

Title: Re: Mysterious object
Post by: SuperDave on February 28, 2015, 06:49:52 PM
I think I figured out what that icon was. I must have been part of Comodo AV. I uninstalled and re-installed Comodo and it has appeared again.