Topic: Generally, what's the best way to "fix" a computer bloated with spyware/viruses?

Anonymous A started this discussion 15 years ago #7,018

I'm assuming booting in safe mode and then running a spyware removal program off of a thumb drive is generally the best route?

For computers that don't even boot to the desktop, I'm guessing a Linux live CD accompanied by an external hard drive to recover files is probably the best bet, yeah?

Any special tools or tips you care to share?

Thank you ;3

Syntax joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 13 minutes later[^] [v] #122,930

"spyware removal program"

First tell me if you had a Anti Virus program on the computer that is currently infected?

Anonymous A (OP) replied with this 15 years ago, 14 minutes later, 28 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #122,948

@previous (Syntax)
No idea. It's for a friend who is very computer illiterate, but I feel that I'd easily figure it out, being pointed in the right direction.

I've never had a virus ;)

Anonymous C joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 3 minutes later, 31 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #122,949

osx

ltamake !3vZ7A06glM joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 11 minutes later, 42 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #122,954

GNU/Linux.

advi !!3gpAcg/hF joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 4 minutes later, 46 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #122,955

Nuke and pave, but only if System Restore isn't an option

(Edited 33 seconds later.)

Anonymous F joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 51 seconds later, 47 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #122,957

A large magnet used in a sweeping motion across your harddrive.

[^_^] !IOdbnXsKDk joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 24 minutes later, 1 hour after the original post[^] [v] #122,986

Delete System32.

Thorn !nator.ccGk joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 1 hour after the original post[^] [v] #122,989

Macs don't get viruses.

Meta !PARAdoxiHw joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 9 minutes later, 1 hour after the original post[^] [v] #122,992

@OP
> For computers that don't even boot to the desktop, I'm guessing a Linux live CD accompanied by an external hard drive to recover files is probably the best bet, yeah?
This. Get all your files/music/pr0n off the computer then re-install Winderp and try not to get it infected in future.

r04r joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 4 hours later, 5 hours after the original post[^] [v] #123,117

Safe mode and virus scanner is generally best. If that's no luck and reinstalling isn't an option, take out the HDD and attach it as a slave to another computer and run a virus scan from there.

mountainman !4EB6xd.Oos joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 3 hours later, 9 hours after the original post[^] [v] #123,163

a hammer

Anonymous L joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 3 hours later, 12 hours after the original post[^] [v] #123,267

I just got bombed by a shitload of viruses after installing some faulty software I torrented, and the only way I could restore my computer was to wipe the hard drive after rebooting. Went into safemode to transfer all my files onto a USB stick, all is well.

Anonymous M joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 2 minutes later, 12 hours after the original post[^] [v] #123,271

Lick it. Lick it real good.

protip !!pMmAiEwOm joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 6 minutes later, 12 hours after the original post[^] [v] #123,279

Gentooâ„¢

Minichan