Problems again, not mine though

[Mune]

This is kind of a weird scenario. My mom's computer is a compact bought from staples about 4 years ago. After years of abuse(numerous people not knowing what they're doing), it got a virus. Apparently, it was so malicious, her internet provider severed her connection until it was fixed. Well, system restore the computer to a earlier date and all attempts to remove the virus have failed. Her CD drive doesn't even work all the time(someone, somehow, removed the driver's/programs for it) The computer also had some weird things going on, like files in places that didn't seem like they should be(System files, .dll, etc. in My Documents-over 5000) The major problem is, that she needs internet(she's a coach and has other stuff going on that requires her to check her email) So, I need recommendations on what I should do. If you need specs, I have some.


She runs:
Windows XP Home Edition
512 MB RAM
a 40 GB HDD Master
a 30 GB HDD Slave(had enough trouble getting this into the system)


Things I have thought about doing, but haven't decided if I should:
adding a new CD drive as a slave and run system restore
" ", reformat the HDD and reinstall Windows XP
" ", reformat the HDD and install Windows 98SE instead
" ", buying anti-virus software, and run it
taking her current master HDD and formatting it at my house
taking her slave and making it a new master, but will have to take it home to do so or install the new CD drive
buying anti-virus software and putting it onto a flash drive
trash the drive altogether
trash the computer or leave as is


If reformatting is good, how do I do it with a computer with windows xp? I would normally use MS-DOS, but since XP eliminated DOS(or changed it to command prompt), which makes it so you can't reformat while running windows.

I'm sorry, I really need help and I've been through so much already with that computer.

[b0ss]

At first I would prefer to reinstall Windows XP (please not Windows 98... that thing sucks).
Reinstall under Windows XP is very simple. At first you have to change the boot-priority, in the bios of your mainboard, to the CD-Drive and put the WIndows XP Disk in it. Then it appears a screen where Windows you ask if you want to start from the disk or to install it again. (it's been a while since I had to reinstall my PC, but they have to be there xD)

I wouldn't try to check the HDD on another PC with an HDD. It can be, that an other HDD will be infectet by the virus too.

[toadvine]

Well, I've got a good idea what probably happened to your CD drive, but if your system is that virulently infected, it's probably a good idea to go right to reformatting/reinstalling.

For how to reinstall it with a full format, just follow these instructions. Comes complete with screenshots and everything.

There's only one point I'd add to the walkthrough: make sure you choose the full NTFS format when given the choice, not the quick one. A quick format essentially just tells the computer that nothing's there and it can write wherever it wants rather than a full format which actually goes through and erases the disk. Since you've got a virus, you definitely want all traces of it removed, just to be on the safe side

[Blu]

:-/...He's really fucked on the "toss in the cd and reformat" boat guys...

Well first off, Does she need any files at all? (being a coach and all I would think she might need a few) If she does try using a thumb drive to save them. Now I can't be certain they might not get infected but we'll move onto that later.

Now then the CD drive could be dead it self or well the virus has taken control of it. So I assume you have a floppy drive correct? Kill disk should be able to do the job of deleting both of the hard drives memory completely.
http://www.killdisk.com/downloadfree...om_Floppy_Disk
Just download it on a non infected computer and follow the instructions on the website to clear off a hard drive (do both hard drives)

Now then you should be set to go ahead and install windows again. If the cd drive wasn't the virus's fault then just grab one at a store (10-30$) or out of a old computer and toss it in there. And from there you should be able to install windows without a hitch (please don't use 98, If you need XP Please pm me and I'll help you from there)

For the thumb drive, Make sure you get a good anti virus installed on the new computer before plugging it into the usb port. Once you get a good anti virus installed I would suggest installing and following these instructions to make sure none of the files she needed were infected by the virus and are hiding in the thumb drive waiting to spread :-/
http://www.drsafemode.com/2008/01/16...umdrive-virus/


By the looks of it installed a anti virus, Be it from the net or a thumb drive/external device would probably just be a waste of time. Most advanced virus's/trojans can really just mess up the install/scan of it so really no use :-/

If you have anymore questions feel free to ask. I hope this helps you fix your moms computers. Virus's are never fun.

[JEskandari]

I prefer copy the file i need in a cool disk .
put a windows install cd in, restart the computer.
boot from cd
when asked whicg partition to choose ,delete partition on both disk ,then made a complete NTFS format of both partition .
install windows XP
then install a new antivirus,my favorite is ESET Smart Security ,then update it.
update the wiindows itself.
check the files i copied first and clean anyvirus that have found.
then copy them back andat last never forget to update antivirus

[ZERO_ice]

You're mom must have gotten one hell of a virus.
First thing I’d try would be reinstalling win XP, you need a working CD drive for that. The drivers for a CD drive are on the motherboard (BIOS to be exact) not on the hard drive, so unless you use some USB connected portable CD drive, it’s probably busted. If the virus infiltrated BIOS there isn’t much you can do either take it to a computer mechanic or buy a new one. Though viruses that can wreck a motherboard are extremely rare. The hard drives aren’t a problem unless you have data you need on them, just run over the previous windows. That should take care of the virus.

[bondo]

ZERO_ice is right. There are several viruses that disable the CD to prevent installing of a virus scanner. There are several that will not let you install any new programs to prevent installation of a virus scanner. You can go into the BIOS and reenable the CD Drive but you better have a new copy of a virus scanner CD to boot from and run or you will be back where you started. If you boot from the CD you are bypassing any virus because you are also bypassing the OS. Norton AntiVirus lets you boot from CD and scan your computer with the default virus database. This is probably sufficient for this level of virus. If this works then you will be free and clear and can continue your computing life. You need a virus scanner anyway so buying this now kills 2 birds with 1 stone.

Good Luck,