Strange account on my laptop

Hello, ATS. The other day I was signing off on my laptop and noticed a strange account on it. I have absolutely no idea how it got there, since I haven't downloaded anything or even gone to unsafe websites. It was listed as "ASP Machine" followed by a dot and some numbers. I deleted the account. It really freaked me out. Has anything like that happened to you? Was I hacked or something?

ETA: I did download a couple of games but they were from safe websites that I saw listed here on ATS that members have shared. Another was the Dungeons and Dragons online game. I'd had that one before and never had that happen.

a reply to: Skid Mark

Observe: forums.asp.net...

a reply to: Skid Mark

When you installed updates or new software on your computer, you installed the Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1, which contains a common runtime application that may be required by applications you’re running. During this installation, an account named ASP.NET is created. If your computer previously displayed your desktop immediately after starting, you may notice a ‘Welcome’ screen when you start the computer with your existing user account and the ASP.NET account. This happened because there are now two accounts on your computer. The account does not allow remote or interactive login and only has "guest" level permissions.

Click the link for more.

Aaaand there goes any software on your computer trying to use the Microsoft ASP.Net-framework.

No, not really. But you might encounter problems if you were trying to use some software which tries to interface with internet-servers, maybe.

But don't worry. If those problems are pesting you, reload it.

a reply to: schuyler

That really takes a load off my mind. Thanks so much.

Thanks for the helpful replies. This is why I love ATS. There are well informed members who are happy to help others. You guys rock. I'm thinking that it was installed when I downloaded the Dungeons and Dragons online game, since you play on their server (where they have different "worlds"). Thanks again.

a reply to: ManFromEurope

You can still delete the account while leaving the framework intact. I doubt he's developing or testing software, but who knows.

a reply to: eisegesis

I'm not developing or testing. Thanks for the help.