The friend's computer is acting up really badly—it's been called a "haunted PC."
The friend's computer is acting up really badly—it's been called a "haunted PC."
I don’t know where to start, but what I’m sure about is that it’s likely a laptop using an external keyboard and mouse connected via USB. I’m not sure about the exact model or specifications, but I’ll update when they become available. Here are the issues I’ve described to them:
- When the computer starts, there’s a 1 in 5 chance it freezes right after the lock screen appears.
- The lock screen is partially visible, but the password field won’t accept input from my keyboard.
- Logging in normally works, but restarting takes me to (attached picture).
- Once running, one symptom after another appears:
- Scroll wheel only functions horizontally.
- If the problem continues, it becomes a constant downward scroll when dragged back up.
- Left click is sometimes replaced by right click, and right click stays right-click even then.
- Clicking behaves like on Spotify or YouTube controls but not on X buttons (top right).
- Opera tabs close automatically when I try to open them.
- Certain keys (Q, V, H, E, etc.) get stuck in the pressed position.
- The string “:;/” repeats endlessly while holding all three keys.
- Volume changes randomly without a clear pattern—it sounds like Morse code but too fast to copy.
- In multiplayer games, ping is unusually high (300ms), despite good FPS and smooth single-player performance.
- The whole system slows down over time.
- Esc key is replaced by Alt+Tab shortcut, even in games.
- Calculator app tries to open even though it’s uninstalled; the App Store prompt appears.
- Fans seem to use an air compressor mode more often, which keeps increasing until a restart.
My main guess is RAM problems—possibly causing freezing, plus issues with keyboard/mouse drivers and maybe a mix-up with Esc/Alt+Tab. I’m open to any advice or feedback!
Have we thought about updating Windows? I experienced a lot of issues just before the Windows setup failed and damaged the whole hard drive. Secure erase resolved the problem but wiped all information from the drive.
Possible causes include RAM instability or random errors. Disable XMP or lower the speed manually. Here are your PC specifications—use HWInfo if unsure and share a summary screenshot. Monitor temperatures during testing. If Windows appears corrupted, consider a system restore. If needed, perform a clean install only as a last resort.
I'll include their specifications as soon as they return from work and have them ready for you!
It might be unusual malware, though uncommon. A fresh installation usually fixes most issues.
The keyboard might be prone to water-related issues affecting its internal connections. Removing it from the motherboard usually resolves the problem, though it often requires opening the laptop and sometimes taking out the entire motherboard, which can be challenging.
They sent me the PC specifications, and now I can provide the details they shared: Device name: LAPTOP-CVFA3VVS Processor: Intel® Core™ i7-9750H CPU @ 2.60GHz 2.59 GHz Installed RAM: 16.0 GB (15.9 GB usable) System type: 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor (edited) GPU: GeForce GTX 1650 Thank you all for your assistance and feedback!