Hi, my acer laptop is experience issues when using keyboard and touchpad. When I'm typing the letters may not type then all of a sudden multiple characters appear included a spade (like the card). Also the mouse may not work for a while. Is this a virus?

Very well could be but what anti virus are you using, have you done a scan lately?

Just Microsoft security essentials - I did a virus scan a couple of days ago and nothing came up. This problem has been happening for about 3 weeks now.

Not a bad free anti virus, I use it too. If you had a virus Essientials would have caught it. Your keyboard could have shorted, any spills or drops lately? Frys and many other electronic store can do a free check on your system but ask them upfront for free first.

Well the laptop has been overheating lately to the point that it shuts down - could this have shorted something?

Other way around, the short causes the heat. If it were me I'd take it to a shop to be evaluated.

Thanks for your help - will get it looked at!