Is this a virus?

Hello,
I just tried to download a movie via vuze (torrent). Then my anti virus program did a lot of weird things and my background changed. Also there is this new thing on my windows. Where there first were pictograms for google chrome etc. are now blank paper icons and they do not open. Instead I have to use something that looks like a start button like it used to be in windows 8. There is a printscreen in the attachments. Is there a virus on my computer now?
Please help me!
Best regards,
Sara

You tried to download a movie illegally through an untrustworthy website and would like to know if the site gave you a virus?
*sigh*

Do you also enter your bank account info into your computer? Prolly not a good mix.

Try this: Microsoft Safety Scanner - Antivirus | Remove Spyware, Malware, Viruses Free - you may have to download to another computer and transfer it

Sara said:

Hello,
I just tried to download a movie via vuze (torrent). Then my anti virus program did a lot of weird things and my background changed. Also there is this new thing on my windows. Where there first were pictograms for google chrome etc. are now blank paper icons and they do not open. Instead I have to use something that looks like a start button like it used to be in windows 8. There is a printscreen in the attachments. Is there a virus on my computer now?
Please help me!
Best regards,
Sara

Click to expand...

I think you already know the answer. Expect your computer to be remotely controlled as part of a botnet. Expect your information to be stolen.

1) Disconnect from the Internet
2) Backup your data to an external media
3) perform a Windows 8 Reset:
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2302-reset-windows-8-a.html

By the way, how do you think did you get the virus? Did you open an exe file or a movie file (mp4, avi etc..) Do you remember the file extension/file type?

DustSailor said:

You tried to download a movie illegally through an untrustworthy website and would like to know if the site gave you a virus?

Click to expand...

Let's not jump to conclusions on whether the movie was illegal. We don't know that and we don't know the name of the movie. There's free and legal movies on the web.

Giga Hawk said:

Let's not jump to conclusions on whether the movie was illegal. We don't know that and we don't know the name of the movie. There's free and legal movies on the web.

Click to expand...

I do like your optimism. Free and legal movies are usually downloaded through more reputable websites, however. But You have excellent suggestions.

I'm not sure I would call that a "virus" as such. It's software that's often bundled into the installer for something else, so you download application A and when installing it you actually end up with applications A, B and C on your machine. Usually that happens when people skip through the install steps clicking "Next" without reading each stage carefully, although it can also happen silently too. Personally, I hate it. I know devs have to try and make money, but I think this is a horrible way to do it. Any bundled software should be opt in, not opt out.

So, have you installed any new applications that would correspond to the time Desk 365 (the app shown in your screenshot) appeared? Cos if you have, then that would almost certainly explain it. A movie downloaded from a torrent site would usually be either split into ZIP/RAR files and unzipping those files wouldn't automatically infect your machine, or the movie is in a plain video file format such as AVI or MKV and again, opening one of those files wouldn't infect your machine. If there was an executable file included with the download and you opened that, then yes, that is highly likely to be the cause.

Here's removal instructions for the unwanted application: -

How to easily remove Desk 365 virus (Removal Guide)

But I would be wary about other potentially unwanted software being on your machine and monitor the situation closely.

Torrent sites are notorious for spreading viruses and other forms of malware. And the problem is worse for illegal files.
A big problem with viruses is that most of them like to keep a low profile and not revel their presence, at least not right away. They want to spread themselves around first. After that they are limited only by the knowledge and imagination of their creators. Viruses don't follow any rules.