Weird issue with computer: Volume spontaneously going to 100% at random

[mouser]

Hi folks.. I'm having a strange problem that I can't track down.

Recently my computer's volume has been jumping to 100% spontaneously.
I set it to some minimal volume, and then at some point (usually overnight) everything is super loud and i check it and the volume is back at 100%.

I'm thinking it must be some program doing it, but i can't figure out what.  Another alternative is a stuck key, but the random timing makes me think not.

Any ideas?

[MilesAhead]

I'd try a full malwarebytes scan in case it's prankware.

Until you find the cause, if you have a pot on the speakers I'd put the hardware setting low and the software setting near the top to avoid sudden blare.

[40hz]

I'd suspect prankware as previously suggested - or some program that has an audio alarm or notifier feature like a clock calendar or email app. I've seen that happen with a alarm clock app on my Nook. Every time it checks for an update it dimes my volume setting whether or not it updates. I think it may be the dev doing a CYA volume reset since it's usually better to be annoyed by a too loud alarm than not to hear it at all.

Also +1 w/Miles. If you have a hardware volume knob you're better off using that and just leave your system setting up all the way if it's not causing distortion. I hardly ever adjust speaker volume in software if I have a choice. Gimmee a knob any day!

[Curt]

A short while I have had a similar problem, where Windows' various personal settings kept disappearing, because I didn't reboot Windows. After reboot, everything was okay.

[MilesAhead]

A short while I have had a similar problem, where Windows' various personal settings kept disappearing, because I didn't reboot Windows. After reboot, everything was okay.

On that note(pun intended) they also say if it's a Laptop and/or you fast boot/hybrid/hibernate all the time, it can be a good idea to do a full shutdown now and then.  Could be an old wives' tale.  But I do a full reboot on my Laptop periodically in case it's valid.

[Stoic Joker]

I have seen multimedia keyboards do that sort of thing when they get a bit of age on them (crank/drop the volume, fire app key X, or just put the computer to sleep), so if you have one it could be worth investigating.

[Shades]

All the inconsistencies that occur with USB-based keyboards...especially when they age...make me really appreciate the PS/2 keyboard that I actively use for more than 10 years. Not one key wrong except for my ability to type with drunk fingers and a sober mind.

There are exceptions to the rule with USB-based keyboards, but not that many (in my strictly anecdotal experience).

[mouser]

you know.. it occurs to me i do have one experimental program that does mess with the volume settings.. my own Multi Photo Quotes..  Perhaps it is to blame..  Checking..

[Renegade]

While not the same issue, I had a recent one that took many hours over several months to solve. It came down to a setting in the audio card driver causing the issue (which it shouldn't have).

If you can turn off all audio driver settings, it might help.

If you're doing anything remotely interesting, check to see if any calls you're making rely on something at a lower level. Sometimes there are oddities that can happen, and you may have inadvertently created something like a race condition or god knows what.

[mouser]

I'm pretty sure now that the problem was, embarrassingly, caused by an older version of my own program, Multi Photo Quotes.  Installing the latest version seemed to solve it.

[40hz]

I'm pretty sure now that the problem was, embarrassingly, caused by an older version of my own program, Multi Photo Quotes.  Installing the latest version seemed to solve it.

Why is it embarrassing? You solved the problem. Job done!

[superboyac]

I'm pretty sure now that the problem was, embarrassingly, caused by an older version of my own program, Multi Photo Quotes.  Installing the latest version seemed to solve it.

Would you like me to contact the developer? 

[Deozaan]

Embarrassing because mouser didn't eat his own dogfood, so to speak. :-D Using an old version instead of the latest version of his own software!

Oh ho ho! Or something.

That's my guess, anyway.

[mouser]

yeah, and also embarrassing that it took me so long to realize that it could be my own program causing the trouble.

[nosh]

Sue! Mouser vs Mouser.

[MilesAhead]

yeah, and also embarrassing that it took me so long to realize that it could be my own program causing the trouble.

I hate it when that happens. 
Some hotkey program messing things up. I get pissed off.  Then I find out it's one of mine. 

[40hz]

"Keeps us humble" as my grandmother used to say.

[Renegade]

Sue! Mouser vs Mouser.

I'm not sure whether that's a win-win or a lose-lose proposition...