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    Live CD Virus Scanning

    Discussion in 'Linux Compatibility and Software' started by UCHacker11, Jul 11, 2008.

  1. UCHacker11

    UCHacker11 Notebook Consultant

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    My friend got SEVERAL viruses on her Windows XP system and now the computer won't get past the XP load screen. She had/has a virus scanner in Windows but we can't get there to use it. Is there any way that I can boot a Linux Live CD and remove the viruses and repair any damage?
     
    UCHacker11, Jul 11, 2008
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  2. Gintoki

    Gintoki Notebook Prophet

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    It's possible but not the best choice, you might be able to do a scan with ClamAV but it's pretty weak compared to more powerful and well known windows AV programs. You should do a clean install or try to boot into safe mode or something to try and save Windows, other wise it's better to just install Linux and get it over with.
     
    Gintoki, Jul 11, 2008
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  3. UCHacker11

    UCHacker11 Notebook Consultant

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    Yeah thats what I figured but I wanted to try and not have to do a clean install as she has programs and no discs. She could not handle linux, as shes not very tech savvy. Hence the viruses WITH AV!!
     
    UCHacker11, Jul 11, 2008
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  4. Gintoki

    Gintoki Notebook Prophet

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    You don't need to be tech savvy to use Linux, Linux is generally easier to use than Windows (again, something covered by my Linux Switcher's guide).
     
    Gintoki, Jul 11, 2008
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  5. UCHacker11

    UCHacker11 Notebook Consultant

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    yeah I know I just started using it as my primary OS and its really easy now. But, it would be unfamiliar and shes just not the kinda person to want to change.
     
    UCHacker11, Jul 11, 2008
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  6. Baserk

    Baserk Notebook user

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    Give the Avira Rescue CD a try; link.
    It's got Avira AntiVir, virus definitions are updated several times a day and it uses Linux OS.
    You burn it to a CD and don't need to run Windows from your/her HD at all.
    Cheers.
     
    Baserk, Jul 11, 2008
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  7. benx009

    benx009 Notebook Evangelist

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    Just pop in the original Windows XP install disk and go to repair, so that your friend gets a fresh C:\WINDOWS folder. This should fix the booting problem as well as kill all the viruses that might've infected the C:\WINDOWS folder.
     
    benx009, Jul 11, 2008
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  8. v1k1ng1001

    v1k1ng1001 Notebook Deity

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    You could use the live cd to access her files in windows and back them up on an external drive. Then reinstall windows and help her secure it with the necessary tools and know how. Make sure that there is a workable open source alternative to the programs she is using.

    I would also move the windows partition over and dual boot with something easy to use like ubuntu. Who knows, maybe she'll catch on?
     
    v1k1ng1001, Jul 13, 2008
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