Thursday, March 5, 2009

Got a virus but can't load Windows or scan in Safe Mode?

Hopefully never, but you could find yourself with a virus someday that prevents you from loading Windows normally. You may even be able to boot in safe mode but unable to run or install anti-virus software. What to do? Below are a few ideas to get you back on track.

First, try booting into Safe Mode with Networking. Then launch Internet Explorer and navigate to http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ to perform an online anti-virus scan free. You might also try http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/ie.html or http://www.kaspersky.com/kos/eng/partner/default/kavwebscan.html . Once the viruses have been removed attempt to restart Windows normally. Once in Normal mode run a full virus scan with AVG or another product and also scan for spyware.

If you're unable to access the Internet via Safe Mode with Networking there is still hope. However, you will need another pc. From the second working computer download Stinger (a small anti-virus tool able to run in Safe Mode) and Ad-Aware. Put the software on media that can be transferred to the infected pc. Launch the infected pc in Safe Mode and install Stinger and Ad-Aware. Scan for infections using both products. Once the pc is working better either try to boot normally to do a more thorough scan or try again with Safe Mode with Networking to do an online scan.

These steps could save you a lot of time and aggravation when disaster strikes!

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