Friends pc has a virus, need help.

[madbutcher88]

My friend accidentally downloaded an infected file, now his pc gives him a blue screen on regular start up but boots in safe mode. So i told him to install avg since it s free but it wouldn't let him install, so then I told him to try system restore but it fails.

So what can he do to fix this? Thanks in advance

 

[Manticorps]

Personally, I'd format and reinstall windows. I've found that installing scanners after the fact doesn't always work to well. Might try one of the online scanners such as trend micro housecall. I've had success with them when installed antivirus has failed. I did end up formatting and reinstalling windows as I had lost confidence.

 

[MadRat]

Symantec has Stinger.exe that removes a lot of older viruii. Otherwise installing the AV at this stage of the game is too late. Your more sophisticated viruii have poisoned the hosts file, tagged the run keys inthe registry, added themselves to file classes so they execute whenyou run programs, and some even clog up ms office and ie startup folders.

 

[Psynaut]

Yep, Yank the HD and put it into another computer in order to get your data off, then put it back in the computer, reformat it and reinstall windows.

 

[pcgeek11]

I would scan the hard disk in another PC with some reliable AV tools before assuming any of the files are safe.

pcgeek11

 

[Chiefcrowe]

I second this recommend.

Originally posted by: Psynaut
Yep, Yank the HD and put it into another computer in order to get your data off, then put it back in the computer, reformat it and reinstall windows.