Q:I have Windows 7 running on a Dell desktop, which I leave turned on but logged off of the Internet. Every six weeks or so, when I clear the screen saver first thing in the morning, I get a Windows message, “An external storage device has been connected.” Before I can acknowledge it, it disappears. Any idea of the source of this? I’m mostly concerned that some type of virus could be downloading info from the PC.
— Dan Swaim
A: It’s almost certainly not tied to a virus. The message may appear if you left any devices with storage capability, such as a thumb drive, digital camera, etc., connected to a USB port on your computer. If not, you can check to see if the software drivers for your computer’s hard drive and other equipment need to be updated by going to “device manager” under “control panel.” Double-click on the device, and navigate to the “driver” tab to update.
— Andy Vuong
