What's this programme?

[squiperly]

While searching for a file just now I came across a file which had "data collect" in the name. I didn't recognise it and when I opened it it just looked like gobbledygook to me - but it seemed to have been tracking keystrkes on my computer, and listed when the spacebar had been used.
I'm no expert on computers, and I'm really worried about this. I've had some problems connecting to the internet lately, and when I'm on the internet I keep getting the little egg timer symbol for no apparent reason.
Can anyone advise on this please?
Thanks a lot.

[koster]

First of all, go to Start, Control Panel, add or Remove Programs. Go through the list of installed programs and uninstall those you don't recognise.

Next, download and install Windows Defender. It is a free and provides protection against spyware and other unwanted software.
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spywa re/software/default.mspx

If you have a virus scanner, ensure it is up-to-date.

If you do not have a virus scanner, download and install one. AVG Free is good and free.
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

[redmug100]

Download a free anti spyware program like Spybot or ad aware and use it regulaly to get rid of these nasties.

[RavenD]

It sounds like someone has installed a keylogger onto your PC either remotely via the net or manually by letting someone use your PC, I would recommened a full virus & Spyware scan, then go to add and remove programs and look for anything you have not installed, by the way some keyloggers do not show up in add or remove or in the program folder, they usually hide in the system32 folder under a differing name, I would strongly advise you not to go into this folder, but to take your PC to a qualified CISCO or MICROSOFT engineer who will be able to give your PC a full diagnostic and hunt the keylogger down.