After my computer randomly crashed and auto-restarted, a random video game was file found on my computer which wasn't there before. I think I was hacked.

Question

After my computer randomly crashed and auto-restarted, a random video game was file found on my computer which wasn't there before. I think I was hacked.

Anonymous

So I was using my laptop late at night (around 11:00), when randomly, without warning, my laptop crashed. The screen froze and black pixels began appearing in random spots, then the laptop automatically restarted. I was a little confused. I then looked at my Desktop and found an unknown application which I had never seeb before called Goddgame Empire. I checked the properties and it was apparently installed around 10:50 (when the crash happened). I did a little investigating. I checked my CPU temperature with CoreTemp (to see if the crash was triggered by it) but it was between 50-60°C (122 to 144°F). I went to Control Panel and checked for auto-restart. It was disabled. Did a virus scan via Settings. Nothing came up. How did this random videogame file get on my laptop? Was my computer hacked? How do I prevent such crashes in my computer? A picture of the game's properties is attached.![](https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/a3f31d38-ced2-40c9-9a41-072bad8a0700?platform=QnA

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3 additional answers

Answer 1

Based on your description and if you installed Core Temp right after the crash in order to check that possible issue, then that's precisely where the Goodgame Empire shortcut came from.

Good game empire installed when I installed core temp : antivirus

Read the second response by AlternativeCoast6, especially the bold portion which describes exactly what you received along with the Core Temp app.

Rob

Answer 2

Well that's a tiny tiny 'Internet Shortcut'

Bet you made some kind of mouse movement and dragged the internet page which you looked at on your desktop.

Doesn't sound to me as anything malware.

I also wouldn't worry about that 'random' crash. Things happen....

Delete that Shortcut and good is.

Answer 3

Anonymous

GGE sounds like a PUP. Malwarebytes may be able to take care of it: https://malwarebytes.com/mwb-download

Downloaded anything malicious or visited a malicious site at the time the system crashed?

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Answer 4

Hi Mr Gubbo. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

What else was installed around that time in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, change Sort By; order to Date to find other apps installed near that time.

Look over this guide to determine if you were hacked and how to prevent it happening again:

https://preyproject.com/blog/en/have-i-been-hac...

To check most thoroughly for infection and any resulting System damage, Download, install and run a full scan with the most powerful on-demand free scanner Malwarebytes:

https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/ Make sure to only choose the Free version.

In the Malwarebytes Settings (gear icon) > Security tab set it to include scanning for Rootkits.

If necessary run it in Safe Mode with Networking (to have internet), or Safe Mode accessed by one of these methods: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf.... These require a password and not PIN to access.

Clean up anything found, restart PC and then run again until it comes up clean.

Then download, install and run a full scan with AdwCleaner:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcle...

Remove whatever it finds.

Check for anything found but is still left over in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, and C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files(86) to uninstall or delete them. I can guide you how to do this if there are problems.

Also in each of your browser's Extensions, Home Page settings, Search service or Add-On's as shown here: https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001411.htm

to disable anything you didn't add yourself and are sure you need. Ask back if in doubt.

Then check for damaged System files by running System File Checker and DISM from Step 10 in this checklist:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

If completing all of Step 10 in above Checklist doesn't fix it then run a Repair Install which reinstalls WIndows while keeping your files, programs and most settings in place, by installing the Media Creation Tool from this link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/software-downlo..., open the tool and choose Upgrade This PC Now. This will solve most problems and also bring it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method.

If you want to keep Malwarebytes as an on-demand scanner then you can turn off its Real Time trial version using the slider buttons on it's front panel. I recommend it as the #1 tool for your toolbox. For best WIndows performance, use built-in Defender which gives adequate real-time protection.

Feel free to ask back any questions. Report back results for more steps if necessary.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

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After my computer randomly crashed and auto-restarted, a random video game was file found on my computer which wasn't there before. I think I was hacked.

3 additional answers