Spyware, viruses, & security forum: Recover data from laptop using "Umbuntu"

O/T:
Seriously, Somewhere in between Murphy's Law, all my computers and the network, and my Ladies at home, You'll find me saying, "just throw it on the pile"!

My ladies don't understand why they can't push a button and shop....oops I mean surf! And guess what, they don't want to learn! They feel the computer manufacturers should make a laptop "that just works" with the click of a button. That leaves me with the inevitable, Horror Viruses, ripped or shorted out cords, HDMI cables smashed in the network port "Dad...the TV's broke" huh? ...LOL!

I do have one question though. I lent a friend of mine a desktop I'm not using, works fine. (mistake #1)

A week later, I go over to find the cd burner broken and the system completely locked up from some virus. They then tell me I need to fix it. I took a look at it. (Mistake #2)

Finally, I announced that in order for me to fix it I'd have to take it Home! (Yea for me) After repairing it should I give it back to them "to use"? I'm thinking no.

Sorry to get off topic! ha ha
Gordon

When you're dealing with people who think computers should "just work", I point out that the computer is just a dumb machine that's dumber than a chicken and stubborn as a mule. All the computer knows is high, low, and equal, so it's really impressive that it works as well as it does. I hope your ladies don't have the same attitude about cars! I feel your pain, my wife's favorite trick is to go to some 50 page web site, click the print button, and then can't figure out why the printer's out of paper and "doesn't do". Her one explanation of what's wrong is that "it doesn't do", regardless of the problem.
I agree with you about your friend you lent the computer to. I'd tell him I need to keep it for something I've got to do.

Good luck.

As usual, your answer addressed a few things I didn't even consider! I'll let you know happens next. Either way I'm keeping the fire extinguisher close at hand.
Gordon