Anyone know what this strange popup is?

[thinkpac]

I have seen this strange popup a couple times now on my Windows XP machine. Both times it has happened while logged into my Administrator account - it has never happened while logged into my limited user account. Also both times it just popped up by itself - I didn't do anything to cause it.

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/2384 ... 3small.jpg

It also doesn't seem to be an actual window, just something painted onto the screen. Because I opened another window and moved it around the screen, and the popup got erased. Weird.

[rkawakami]

Depending upon how long this "program" is actually running, you might be able to determine where it's coming from. Get a snapshot of the processes that are running when you first see the popup. If possible, open a command window and enter a TASKLIST command or using something like Process Explorer:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysi ... 96653.aspx

[GomJabbar]

Windows Event Viewer (Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Event Viewer) might also provide a clue. Look for events occurring at the same time as the pop-up.

[wackyD]

I have had that appear from time to time - it is the ghost of Microsoft Security Essentials in my experience. No explanation, but if you open and close MSE, it clears up.

[Majestic]

I've had that happen as well with Security Essentials. If you click the "Show Desktop" button in the Quick Launch Bar it will close on it's own.