I bought this computer last month and Just tonight when i re-booted after installing some software.

Upon boot up I get a red screen alerting me that the computer is stolen and it gives me a phone number to call... I'm a little curious as to if this is some sort of malware anyone has heard of??

and also am a bit leary to call because I have stuff on the hard drive that I don't want anyone to see...

any advice?

Hello Ben and welcome to PC Help Forum.

I think you should do the "Prework" link in red below on my signiture.

I have a possible hi jacker on boot up that tells me the computer is stolen

are these legit I did buy the computer second hand

Ben this could be a virus or a hacker or some spyware.If you do the Prework then we may get some were in this fix.

Please do not double post.

ok did the "pre-work"

but keep in mind I'm on here from my laptop and this problem is on my pc.
I can't get into windows at all... I have the option of either re-booting, shutting down or entering a password.

sorry about the dp.

Hello,Ben can you reboot and repeatedly tap F8 and choose safe mode or last known good config?See if either works.