Spyware, viruses, & security : Cure a half dead PC
Cure a half dead PC
by Powlaz - 3/18/05 11:07 AMA short while ago I had the privelege of working on my mother-in-law's PC. It was so bogged down with virus /trojan/ worm/ malware that it would NOT boot into Safe Mode, would crash in "Normal" Windows, couldn't connect to the internet, and would even crash when my USB Jump Drive was hooked up to it.
I went through the painstaking steps of copying my ARMY of utilities to CD and loading them one by one onto her PC, manually updating the definitions, and running each tool. It took me hours to do this on her Celeron 1.3, WinXP Home, 128MB E-Machine. But it worked (I have great tools!!!!)
Got another one just like it right now and I don't have hours to spend. Looking for some experienced advice:
1. Is there a comprehensive antivirus that I can run from a disk before Windows starts? -or-
2. Is there a way to make a typical antivirus program work before Windows loads?
3. Is there a way to get my anti-parasite programs run from CD before Windows loads?
4. Would I be better off removing the HDD and putting it in my PC?
5. Should I try to network the PC with my WinXP PC?
6. Can I hook up a USB hard drive to the infected PC, copy the drive, connect the USB drive to my PC and fix it with my already installed tools??
a. How do I get the fixed copy of the PC back onto the PC?
I'd like to help this person but I'm afraid I'm not that efficient. How do I "speed" up my process? Which of my above options is best? Is there a better one?
I appreciate the help everyone. I'm not opposed to purchasing the software or hardware that may be needed to speed my process up, although I'm leaning towards "cleaning" the PC from CD's.
Thanks everybody!
Po
there is a program that runs on a 1.4 floppy
by jonah jones
- 3/18/05 11:34 AM
In reply to: Cure a half dead PC by Powlaz
and can deal with 3K+ virus....
just one problem 
the name escapes me...
i hope someone will "fill in the blanks"
.
Stinger does SOME of them
by roddy32 - 3/18/05 11:43 AM
In reply to: there is a program that runs on a 1.4 floppy by jonah jones
Should I try to network the PC with my WinXP PC?
by dawillie - 3/18/05 6:58 PM In reply to: Cure a half dead PC by Powlazthere is a program called PC anywhere.
load it on both machins so you can see her HDD.
gp here
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rls=GGLD,GGLD:2005-3,GGLD:en&q=pcanywhere&spell=1
several links offering what you are trying to do .
Not exactly what I was looking for
by Powlaz - 3/19/05 12:07 PM In reply to: Should I try to network the PC with my WinXP PC? by dawillieThe PC is at my house and it isn't real stable when it's "up". Loading the software for PC Anywhere, XP Remote Access, Real VNC etc. would probably crash it.
The best way to do it is to be able to access the sick PC with my PC. This way when I run Ad Aware I have the option to scan the sick PC. Or the PC shows up and I can run a virus scan (maybe by right clicking on the drive that shows in Explorer from that PC) How do computer shops do it?
Po
if you're comfortable with a screwdriver
by jonah jones - 3/19/05 12:26 PM
In reply to: Not exactly what I was looking for by Powlaz
open up the 'sick' PC, take out the HD and slave it in the 'healthy' PC....
.
This was more along the lines . . .
by Powlaz - 3/24/05 5:59 PM In reply to: if you're comfortable with a screwdriver by jonah jones
of what I was thinking. But I'm pretty sure I'm going to create a set of recovery disks courtesy of the folks at Ultimate Boot CD and Bart'sPE. I need time on my side.
Thanks for the help.
Po
Hi Po
by GreenAdmin - 6/20/05 1:46 PM In reply to: Not exactly what I was looking for by PowlazIf your looking to remotely administer your computer, I would suggest using a product like logmein.com's Rescue. It allows you to remotely administer you computer without having to worry about traversing firewalls. Additionally, it gives you various tools to monitor the 'sickly' system. Your best bet is to try it now while it's still free (it's in beta) and see how it goes. Otherwise you can try their free consumer version.
Is Rob GreenAdmin a shill ?
by R. Proffitt - 6/21/05 12:56 PM
In reply to: Hi Po by GreenAdmin
Look at their posts and it's about 1 software item only.
Bizarre to take the time to post about 1 software title in multiple posts but waffle if they use it.
Bob
Certainly looks like it to me Bob now
by roddy32 - 6/21/05 1:16 PM
In reply to: Is Rob GreenAdmin a shill ? by R. Proffitt
that you have pointed that out.
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