What do the pro's use to remove viruses / spyware from an already infected computer (XP) ?

[blueribb]

I build, repair and upgrade computers as a side job. Lately, I've been overrun with XP computers filled with viruses and spyware. Some are so clogged up, I can't install or run the programs to remove them.

What do the pro's use for removing viruses from XP computers ?

Norton's AV CDROM is good for booting Win9x but not XP/2000.

Any suggestions ?

Thanks in advance

 

[DannyLove]

I'm surprised you didn't see this already, but there is a Sticky thread regarding this.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=33&threadid=1346173&enterthread=y

danny~!

 

[BlueWeasel]

F-Prot is a good, free DOS command line virus scanner. Just be sure to download the executable and the latest file/macro virus updates, and use a bootable CD or floppy to boot to a prompt.

The Ultimate Boot CD is also worth checking out.

 

[blueribb]

DannyLove said:

I'm surprised you didn't see this already, but there is a Sticky thread regarding this.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=33&threadid=1346173&enterthread=y

danny~!

I saw it but did not get my answer there.


BlueWeasel said:

F-Prot is a good, free DOS command line virus scanner. Just be sure to download the executable and the latest file/macro virus updates, and use a bootable CD or floppy to boot to a prompt.

The Ultimate Boot CD is also worth checking out.

I use F-Prot for Win95,98,ME based machines, but it won't work with XP/2000.
I'll check out "The Ultimate Boot CD"

Thanks

 

[MercenaryForHire]

What do the pro's use for removing viruses from XP computers ?

Format.

- M4H

 

[BlueWeasel]

Originally posted by: blueribb
I use F-Prot for Win95,98,ME based machines, but it won't work with XP/2000.
I'll check out "The Ultimate Boot CD"

Thanks

Well, I wouldn't expect F-Prot for DOS to work on W2K or XP machines either.
I use an old Win98 CD to boot to a command prompt and run F-Prot from there.

Or just use the Ultimate Boot CD, as it's got a fully functional menu system and is easier to use.

 

[EagleKeeper]

I have a boot CD-RW for Win2K that has a firewall and and AntiVirus program on it.
The AV program definitions are kept current; I update the defs just before I need to use the disk using our primary system..

 

[blueribb]

Well, I found the answer to my own question. Here's the solution :

BartPE

Awesome Program !

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: blueribb
Well, I found the answer to my own question. Here's the solution :

BartPE

Awesome Program !

Was just about to mention that one. There's enough plugins floating around to build a complete XP-On-Disc image that's not just recovery, but full functionality.

- M4H

 

[flenn]

I remove the hard drive from the infected computer and install it on a secure workbench machine, then run the scans from there. The bottom line is that many of the PC's are so hosed that I end up helping people remove their data so that I can do a reinstall.