My computer got a virus that infected the system files for windows. The anti-virus software tried to disinfect the files and when it couldn't, it deleted them and now windows won't boot. How do I rescue files off the hard drive without spreading the virus to another computer? If I plug the hard drive into another computer as a slave will the virus be able to spread on its own?
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Windows eaten by a virus 1
- Thread starter rgoldste
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Nelviticus
Programmer
If you boot from your Windows CD you should (eventually) get an option to do a 'repair' installation. This will overwrite a lot of your system files with the original ones from your Windows CD. When you next boot Windows after that you will have to re-install any Windows updates and service packs but it should get your system working again.
However, if you've had a virus which was that destructive I'd recommend wiping your hard drive and starting from scratch.
As to whether the virus can spread if you attach the drive to another PC, the answer is "it depends". I reckon that as long as the PC you attach it to has good anti-virus software running, and you don't run any executable files from the infected drive, it will probably be OK. Putting the drive in a cheap USB external enclosure is probably a better idea as then you can wait until the other PC has booted and its AV software is running before you attach it.
Regards
Nelviticus
However, if you've had a virus which was that destructive I'd recommend wiping your hard drive and starting from scratch.
As to whether the virus can spread if you attach the drive to another PC, the answer is "it depends". I reckon that as long as the PC you attach it to has good anti-virus software running, and you don't run any executable files from the infected drive, it will probably be OK. Putting the drive in a cheap USB external enclosure is probably a better idea as then you can wait until the other PC has booted and its AV software is running before you attach it.
Regards
Nelviticus
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