Virus cleaner (not downloaded)
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Discussion

Futuo

Original Poster:

1,202 posts

205 months

Saturday 13th February 2010
quotequote all
Other than Panda are there any other virus checkers / cleaners where I don't have to download something.

Just every time I download it the virus/worm prevents it from running so need to approach the problem from a different angle?

sunbeam_alpine

7,219 posts

211 months

Saturday 13th February 2010
quotequote all
You need a USB stick and another computer. Download either Malwarebytes or Spybot using the other computer and save the install executable on the USB stick.

Restart the infected computer in safe mode (press F8 while the pc is starting). Choose "safe mode with networking" and then install Malwarebytes or Spybot. It should then be able to update itself automatically and run, removing the virus.

Futuo

Original Poster:

1,202 posts

205 months

Saturday 13th February 2010
quotequote all
Cheers, will give that a try.

Work PC is on Windows ME mind (yes I know it's old hat) home (where the problem is is XP).


Frederick

5,812 posts

243 months

Saturday 13th February 2010
quotequote all
Not worth trying Housecall? ( http://housecall.trendmicro.com)

It does need a tiny little program downloading (it used to work like a browser plugin) but as the scan is done online, it's pretty safe from detection by viruses.

It's bloody slow though. You could also try getting something like the Avira Rescue Centre. Download it from a clean PC and burn it to a CD - it's a linux subsystem that automounts all the hard drives and scans them with an up to date virus definition (it's updated daily). Should manage to catch pretty much everything then.

Avira Support Downloads
Avira Rescue System Direct Download (iso format, 60mb)

Edited by Frederick on Saturday 13th February 19:05

lestag

4,614 posts

299 months

Sunday 14th February 2010
quotequote all
Futuo said:
Other than Panda are there any other virus checkers / cleaners where I don't have to download something.

Just every time I download it the virus/worm prevents it from running so need to approach the problem from a different angle?
I have found this useful for getting rid of some AV aware viruses
MS Malicious Software Removal Tool


Edited by lestag on Sunday 14th February 03:09

TheEnd

15,370 posts

211 months

Sunday 14th February 2010
quotequote all
trendmicro is another, but these days, viruses have that covered too.
the noob option is download hijack this, and post the log to an antivirus forum that will track down the problem,
the hardcore version is download http://www.gmer.net/ GMER, or if that hangs on scanning, Combofix http://www.combofix.org/.

Both of these are like tactical low orbit nukes, i've recently tussled with a virus undetected by malwarebytes, spybot, trend micro, panda active scan and adaware.


they are clever these days, they know what programs will be looking for them, and they will disguise themselves.

karona

1,928 posts

209 months

Sunday 14th February 2010
quotequote all
sunbeam_alpine said:
You need a USB stick and another computer. Download either Malwarebytes or Spybot using the other computer and save the install executable on the USB stick.

Restart the infected computer in safe mode (press F8 while the pc is starting). Choose "safe mode with networking" and then install Malwarebytes or Spybot. It should then be able to update itself automatically and run, removing the virus.
It's vital to remember that the usb stick will almost certainly become infected itself as soon as you plug it into the infected PC. Let MWB or Spybot scan the USB stick as well, before using it in any other computer.

Futuo

Original Poster:

1,202 posts

205 months

Monday 15th February 2010
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Taken a turn for the worse, PC now won't even start up, still can't get it into Safe Mode or owt now.


Frederick

5,812 posts

243 months

Monday 15th February 2010
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So download that ISO link I posted, burn it to a cd on a clean PC, set the BIOS to boot from CD, and let it do it's thing... You've got nothing to lose really.

Futuo

Original Poster:

1,202 posts

205 months

Wednesday 17th February 2010
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Tried that a few times, it tells me I have a virus but doesn't remove/clean it.


Frederick

5,812 posts

243 months

Wednesday 17th February 2010
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What virus does it report? Might be worth posting it up in case any others have come across the same bugger...

Futuo

Original Poster:

1,202 posts

205 months

Wednesday 17th February 2010
quotequote all
It's quite an old one W32 bagle and toolkit, but suspect something else has damaged virus checkers to allow those old ones onto PC in first place.


Frederick

5,812 posts

243 months

Wednesday 17th February 2010
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I must admit, I don't think the only problem is a virus - it sounds like there's something else at fault with the PC.

The days of viruses hooking so early on in the boot chain are long gone simply because of the way NT-based versions of windows boot.

It might be worth pulling the hard drive and plugging it into a caddy to see if you can clean it using a host PC but if the drive is starting to die, it isn't going to help matters.

Personally, when it's at this sort of a stage - I'd be inclined to pull as much off the drive as I needed or wanted, then do a complete format & reinstall. I always say the format & install route is akin to demolishing your house when a lightbulb blows, but it's looking like an increasingly viable option in this case imo.

Futuo

Original Poster:

1,202 posts

205 months

Wednesday 17th February 2010
quotequote all
Must admit I'm too much of a numpty to do those sort of things laugh

Was looking at this but don't know how to get it onto a disc like I managed with the one you suggested.

http://www.ubcd4win.com/downloads.htm

Frederick

5,812 posts

243 months

Wednesday 17th February 2010
quotequote all
This program is meant to be able to remove Bagle. You'll need to download it to a fresh PC, burn it to CD (so that it can't be compromised) and run it on the host PC.

If you can get the hard drive out of the host PC, you are in a much better position. Do you have any techy friends who could help you?