I experienced some unusual problems with my computer recently: Web pages not displaying, logging onto Hotmail I was redirected to another site and the page wouldn't shut down, I had to shut down my computer. Then programmes not operating normally, really slow etc.

Then the laptop would work normally again for a while, then revert back to the above and this has gone on for some time. Then I discovered that someone had information about websites that I had contacted, as well as content of my e mails.

Is it possible for someone I know to gain access to my private at home laptop remotely? Could they get in somehow from e mails I sent them? I just can't figure out how my private activities could be traced.

I am not knowledgeable on this subject so would appreciate answers in simply lay man language. Cheers Davide.

Trojan programs, zombie programs, keyloggers... all sort of ways people could have access to your system.

Who brought this to your attention? Who indicated they had your emails or web history? What proof and authority does this person hold on this topic?

How hard would it be for you and a computer-savvy buddy to wipe your hard drive and reinstall?

Try restoring your computer to an earlier date. This does not get rid of all viruses but it may help.

Press Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools>System Restore.

Set it back to a day where your comp was running fine.

A system restore will not remove key loggers or zombie programs, either. If he has any of these problems, he needs major surgery, not a bandaid.

The evidence was the information provided by a third party, to whom the information was provided in confidence and there is no way that person could have invented it or even guessed at the content of e mails or the sites I visited, not that any of them were of really great importance, just my privacy invaded. It has made me feel very wary, obviously I discuss personal matters with friends via e mail and visit a dating site, which is no big deal, but not something I want everyone to know about either.

What do I do? Is there a programme I can install to detect these things and remove them? Get better security? Get a new laptop?

How hard would it be for you and a computer-savvy friend to spend a few hours one afternoon wiping the hard drive and reinstalling? That should do it.

Once it's done, visit my AFTER THE STORM page and implement all the security suggestions there... at least as a minimum start after insuring your system is clean.

AFTER THE STORM