Screen brightness decreases by itself: consequence of a virus?

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noochka Posted messages 5 Status Member -  
jacques.gache Posted messages 34829 Status Security Contributor -
Hello everyone

I have a little problem that's really starting to get on my nerves: when I use my laptop (SONY Vaio brand), the screen brightness decreases by itself after a few minutes, or even a few seconds sometimes.
It's quite annoying because I can't see much since the brightness then goes to minimum level.
I've tried all the classic manipulations, to no avail (see my post: https://forums.commentcamarche.net/forum/affich-27826469-luminosite-ecran-qui-diminue-toute-seule#p27826895)

I was wondering: is it possible that this brightness bug comes from a virus or malicious software that I might have inadvertently installed?

If so, could a complete reset of my computer be a solution? Are there any other less radical solutions to address this issue?

Thank you in advance ;)

2 answers

  1. jacques.gache Posted messages 34829 Status Security Contributor 1 645
     
    Hello, does your screen change brightness when you're using the PC or when you're not doing anything on it?

    Well, to see if there's an infection, please post a ZHPDiag, thanks.

    Open this link and download ZHPDiag:

    https://www.commentcamarche.net/telecharger/utilitaires/24803-zhpdiag/

    Save it on your Desktop.

    Once the download is complete

    for XP, double-click on ZHPDiag

    for Vista, Seven or Wind 8, right-click on the icon and run as administrator.

    Don’t forget to check the box that allows you to create a shortcut on the Desktop.

    /|\ the tool created 2 icons: ZHPDiag and ZHPFix.

    Double-click on the ZHPDiag shortcut on your Desktop for XP, otherwise right-click and run as administrator!!

    Click on the magnifying glass to start the scan.

    If you get a message asking for validation for SIGCHECK, accept with OK as this is to provide us with a more complete report for in-depth analysis.

    Let the tool work, it may take some time

    At the end of the scan, click on the camera icon and save the report on your Desktop.

    Close ZHPDiag at the end of the scan.

    To send it to me, click on this link:

    https://www.cjoint.com/

    Click on "choose a file" and find the file C:\Documents and settings\your_username\desktop\.ZHPDiag.txt

    or directly by choosing Desktop and ZHPDiag.txt, click on it

    Click on Open.

    Click on "create the cjoint link".

    A link of this form:

    http://cjoint.com/data/0KAoeRbq7Szgg.htm

    will be added to the page.

    Copy this link into your response.

    And if there’s a problem, go through this one: http://pjjoint.malekal.com/

    --
    Personally, I may not know much, but if the little I know can help, then
    I’m happy to share it with you!!
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  2. noochka Posted messages 5 Status Member 103
     
    Hello,

    Thank you for your response! In the meantime, I found the solution to my problem (which I put in my first post) and apparently it doesn’t come from a virus or malware (thank goodness because it's a bit complicated for me).

    However, thank you very much for taking the time to reply to me :)
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    1. jacques.gache Posted messages 34829 Status Security Contributor 1 645
       
      Ok, and what was it??
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    2. noochka Posted messages 5 Status Member 103
       
      A simple trick I found on another forum (if it might interest someone):

      To disable the brightness sensor, you need to:

      - Click on Start,

      - Type "VAIO Control Center" in the "Search programs and files" box,

      - Click on "Display",

      - Click on "Automatic Brightness Settings",

      - Uncheck the "Automatic Brightness Settings" option by clicking the box,

      - Click on "Apply".


      Actually, it was really simple; I thought it was a virus... so I'm relieved!!
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    3. jacques.gache Posted messages 34829 Status Security Contributor 1 645
       
      Ok, thanks for the info, it's always good to know!! But if you posted the zhpdiag, we might still see some bad things that you don't know about!!
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