Random Letters Gone Missing from Menus

Discussion in 'Mac Basics and Help' started by john asmodeus, Jun 5, 2006.

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  1. john asmodeus, Jun 5, 2006

    john asmodeus macrumors newbie

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    Jun 5, 2006
    #1
    I don't know if this is a virus, or a bug, or the heat (but my money's on a virus). It's happened twice now, so the red flags are going up in my head.

    I'll be working along, and suddenly when I use the menu at the top of the screen for any application, there will be letters missing. For example, "File" becomes "Fil", "View" becomes "Vi w", and so forth. Seems random, but there will be odd consistencies - like most of the e's and m's (but not all) are gone, for example. A restart fixes it temporarily.

    Anybody know what this is? I've got an external HD attached to this monkey, and I'm contemplating whether or not to quarantine it from my home machine because of this.

    TIA

    john a.
     
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  2. AML707, Jun 5, 2006

    AML707 macrumors member

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    #2
    I don't think its a virus. Remember no such thing in the Mac enviroment... or at least right now. I downloaded a hacked version of Front Row and it took away my clock, spotlight icon and everything from the Menu Bar. Ummm...not really sure whats wrong:confused: . Its not a virus though:) Its most likely a bug.
     
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  3. mad jew, Jun 6, 2006

    mad jew Moderator emeritus

    mad jew

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    #3
    Try Resolving Duplicates in Font Book. It's in the Edit menu. Then restart again. :)
     
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  4. Jiddick ExRex, Jun 6, 2006

    Jiddick ExRex macrumors 65816

    Jiddick ExRex

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    #4
    People have to stop these VIRUS VIRUS VIRUS claims! It just puts the mac in a bad light. Just because it happens to pc, doesn't neccesarily mean it's the same on a mac :mad:
     
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  5. Nermal, Jun 6, 2006

    Nermal Moderator

    Nermal

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    #5
    I'm seriously considering changing my signature to "No, you don't have a virus."

    Anyway, I had the same problem once back on Jaguar. I don't remember how to fix it, but I'm sure you'd find something if you search for threads made by me in the 2003 era :)
     
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  6. ftaok, Jun 6, 2006

    ftaok macrumors 601

    ftaok

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    #6
    In defense of the OP, I've had this happen before and it's quite disconcerting. Sure, a restart will fix it, but when you first see it, the natural reaction can be VIRUS!

    I've seen it two or three times. Really wierd.

    ft
     
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  7. Mitthrawnuruodo, Jun 6, 2006

    Mitthrawnuruodo Moderator emeritus

    Mitthrawnuruodo

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    #7
    No it isn't... that's not a natural reaction on a Mac... actually that should be one of the last things on your mind when you want to debug Mac problems...

    Unless, of course, you know you've done something stupid, like downloading unknown files from an unknown source which required administrator password when you double-clicked after overriding a Safari warning that this might be something harmful... then you can start thinking "malware"... :rolleyes:
     
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  8. kwissylawrencek, Jan 11, 2010

    kwissylawrencek macrumors member

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    #8
    Thankyou, worked perfectly :)
     
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  9. samh, Jan 11, 2010

    samh macrumors 6502

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    #9
    Of course most of the time PC users scream "virus virus virus" it's not a virus either, but either a bug, something misconfigured, or just plain user error.
     
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  10. Gregg2, Jan 11, 2010

    Gregg2 macrumors 603

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    #10
    All the virus fears come from a lack of understanding of what a virus is, and maybe the fact that any major real viruses that strike Windows get reported in the mass media. This leads to the widespread misconception that Computer Problem = Virus.
     
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