PC Caught Virus - Can't Run Anything

[IronRocket]

Several weeks ago, my PC got a virus and I can't run anything on it. I brought the PC up in Safe mode, but all I got was a blank screen w/ the words "Safe Mode" in all four corners and that was it. I tried to run Norton 360 on it...will not take it. Basically, the OS will not talk to any external drives. I still can get out to the net, but will not run any program if I have to run an anti-virus program off a site because I have to download it first. While the PC is running, I keep on deleting the processes that's being a CPU hog just to keep the thing alive. Sometimes, the PC will lockup, other times, I accidentally delete a process that the PC needs and it reboots itself.

Not all is bad...gave me an excuse to go out and buy a brand new laptop - but I'd like to save my desktop. I still have info that I didn't back up (shame on me) that I'd like to get. Anyone have any ideas???

 

[2ffat]

When you say, "the OS will not talk to any external drives" can it see your CD drive?


James P. Cottingham
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[IronRocket]

Nope...it can't see my CD drive. I just get the hour glass if I double-click on "My Computer" on Windows explorer.

 

[BadBigBen]

Since you can get to the NET, then run an online scan of the PC:

http://www.pandasecurity.com/homeusers/solutions/?

http://housecall65.trendmicro.com/

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?productid=symhome)#id=ie&venid=sym

and if that does not help, then a REPAIR install might be the solution, it leaves User Data untouched, resets XP system files (you will loose all SP updates and hotfixes)...

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Perform a Repair Installation

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.

 

[IronRocket]

Ben...thanks for the info - I'll work on it tonight and tell you tomorrow if it works or not.

 

[IronRocket]

Doesn't work. I can't get out to the net anymore. The only thing I wanna do is offload some pics off my PC. I'm going into the BIOS to see what I can do for it to see any external devices. I like to offload it to a flash drive if I can.

 

[tlcscousin]

BartPE cd will boot into a windows xp environment and as long as you have the USB drive connected while booting should allow you to copy files to the USB drive.

http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/

 

[BadBigBen]

either BartPE (as mentioned by tlcscousin) or a LiveCD of Linux, e.g. Knoppix, should do the trick...

then bomb that drive, wiping it clean with DBAN (that way you are sure that nothing is left on the drive that may interfere with installing the OS again) and then reinstall the OS...

Darik's Boot And Nuke

http://www.dban.org

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.