I got a virus installed in my computer somehow and managed to gunk things up even worse so that I can't get back into windows. I can get into safe mode but I can't figure out what (if anything) I can do there. I thought it would be a good idea to do a repair but the XP upgrade doesn't pompt me for anything when I try to boot from the CD. Is it possible to repair with the XP upgrade? If not what can I do in safe more to try and get my computer back up and running? (Restoring doesn't work)
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Windows XP Upgrade.
- Thread starter Muqali
- Start date
The first thing done with any infected system is to turn off the system restore feature to avoid reinfection once the OS is up and running properly again. In safe or by a boot disk like a floppy you can use special virus removal tools intended for specific I-Worm and other types.
Startup problems with Windows doesn't always mean a virus. A bad install of a new program can cause problems with the new startup items. That's when the msconfig utility can still be used while booting in safe mode to disable any new items in the startup list.
One little free virus remover that runs outside of Windows itself is called VCleaner provided by Grisoft along with other free antivirus and antispyware programs. http://free.grisoft.com/doc/29223/us/frt/0/ndi/67751
If you know the specific virus if one is identified you can opt to use a special removal tool. http://free.grisoft.com/doc/29223/us/frt/0 There are also some online scanners but not accessible while booted in safe mode for scanning an infected system.
The repair install method wouldn't be advised for insured removal of any virus infection. Many elect to see the entire drive reformatted for a clean install of Windows to insure nothing remains in any folders. Most antivirus software companies will provide special tools you use when booting up with a 3 1/2" floppy disk.
Startup problems with Windows doesn't always mean a virus. A bad install of a new program can cause problems with the new startup items. That's when the msconfig utility can still be used while booting in safe mode to disable any new items in the startup list.
One little free virus remover that runs outside of Windows itself is called VCleaner provided by Grisoft along with other free antivirus and antispyware programs. http://free.grisoft.com/doc/29223/us/frt/0/ndi/67751
If you know the specific virus if one is identified you can opt to use a special removal tool. http://free.grisoft.com/doc/29223/us/frt/0 There are also some online scanners but not accessible while booted in safe mode for scanning an infected system.
The repair install method wouldn't be advised for insured removal of any virus infection. Many elect to see the entire drive reformatted for a clean install of Windows to insure nothing remains in any folders. Most antivirus software companies will provide special tools you use when booting up with a 3 1/2" floppy disk.
Well by gunking things up I mean I ran ad-aware in safe mode and found the virus and what it spread to. It cleaned up some but out of frustration I started clicking to delete files that were infected. If I were able to reformat using the windows xp upgrade edition I would. But I don't think I can reformat or repair with the upgrade disk, and its all I got. And I don't have the money lying around to buy a new windows.
Did Ad-Aware list any specific names for locating a removal tool? That would be useful there is finding a special tool besides VCleaner if needed. VCleaner will run in safe mode as well as in the normal desktop. You will see a command prompt dos type window open while that scans the drive for the known virus types.
It is possible to see a clean install with an upgrade disk by way of using an XP boot floppy. There's been a few articles on just how to see that done when you are not planning or able to upgrade from an older version of Windows. http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall
It is possible to see a clean install with an upgrade disk by way of using an XP boot floppy. There's been a few articles on just how to see that done when you are not planning or able to upgrade from an older version of Windows. http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall