Virus Issues.

[Wash]

Hi.

I'm having some trouble with a virus I can't remove. I believe I've got the virus through my browser (Google Chrome), whilst browsing through virus infected sites.

Anyhow, I've got quite a lot of school work on that hard drive, and I can't really afford to lose all that data.

I used the system restore function on my computer after I caught the virus, however I can't manage to get rid of it.

After restarting after the system restore, the virus has set a password onto my computer and I can no longer log on.

I know I can use my BIOS and format my hard drive, however I think I'd loose all my work in the process.

Any advice? Thanks in advance.

[Leon.]

Before I start: System Restore also has an undo option, meaning the data from last time is still stored there. The virus can easily "spring up" and come back at you again from the deep depths of the hard drive.

And now: Since the virus seems like a bitch and the damage is already probably heavy, you should reformat. If you want to keep your schoolwork, it might take a little bit of work but if it is necessary, do it.

You obviously have another computer, so this could work. Do you happen to have a 1-2gb flash drive or any other external drive/storage device? (like a CD. There are bootable CD's, but I am unsure if you are able to modify certain things from it >_> If you do, then this method will work:

USB Method: Follow this guide from the working computer: http://www.pendrivelinux.com/usb-ubuntu-810-install-from-windows-non-persistent/
(that link shows Ubuntu on a flash drive. If you are more familiar with other linux distros, feel free to use them)
Set your BIOS to boot from it (if not already done) and select your boot device (USB drive name). Once you do, wait for it to load (a million years) and if a little menu thing comes up, select something that says LiveCD or whatever the hell it is. Wait for it to boot... once it's booted, it's going to get some taking used to. All of this is from memory, so it might be wrong. Select home folder, then navigate to your C:\ drive (where all your windows shit is). and take all of the necessary files and copy them to your flash drive. DUN! Then reformat.

I've never personally tried that method, but it seems like it would work. You could also burn a LiveCD of Ubuntu and run it from there, but I'm not exactly sure it has access to the C:\ drive.

If there are any easier methods, someone say so.

[Wash]

I've just backed up all my school work on my 64GB Flash USB stick.

I can access my account if I use system restore and then the first time I run my PC after that, I'm able to log on. I'm currently running diagnostics and various anti-spyware programs. One of the anti-spyware programs has already found 1 worm, so I guess I'll be good after Search and Destroy finishes it's scan.

Thanks for your help in the meantime.

[Leon.]

I've just backed up all my school work on my 64GB Flash USB stick.

I can access my account if I use system restore and then the first time I run my PC after that, I'm able to log on. I'm currently running diagnostics and various anti-spyware programs. One of the anti-spyware programs has already found 1 worm, so I guess I'll be good after Search and Destroy finishes it's scan.

Thanks for your help in the meantime.

Your flash drive is bigger than my hard drive...   
Now that you've backed all your shit up, do whatever must be done. However, I do prefer a-squared or Malware Bytes over Search and Destroy.
If it comes back, system restore again and delete the other restore point, completely.

[Caltson]

Try this:

http://www.wshadows.com/forum/index.php?topic=537.0

[Wash]

Damn lol
Virus scans didn't work.
Does anyone know how I can format my hdd through bios? I can't find any options for formatting on bios. D:

[Kessu]

Damn lol
Virus scans didn't work.
Does anyone know how I can format my hdd through bios? I can't find any options for formatting on bios. D:

Because there is no way to format from BIOS.. You need to do it while installing Windows or something.. I guess you have Windows boot cd/dvd's..

[Alarba]

hmmmm try to get some help here --> http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/forums.html

[frednox]

LoL when i got a virus I accidently Re-Installed Vista and Lost all my files while trying to Re-Boot my Computer NEVAH make that mistake!

[Wash]

Because there is no way to format from BIOS.. You need to do it while installing Windows or something.. I guess you have Windows boot cd/dvd's..

I have XP & Vista installation discs. When I put the CD in, my computer doesn't boot the setup. I've also set the boot priority to the CD rom first.

[Frank_Hawk]

If you are operating Windows XP/Vista.

1. Restart your PC and keep tapping F8 until you reach 'safe mode'

2. Enter safe mode, and try to access the Windows interface.

3. If successful, run your anti-virus and anti-spyware software during safe mode.

4. Restart.

[Wash]

If you are operating Windows XP/Vista.

1. Restart your PC and keep tapping F8 until you reach 'safe mode'

2. Enter safe mode, and try to access the Windows interface.

3. If successful, run your anti-virus and anti-spyware software during safe mode.

4. Restart.

I tried that before, it didn't work. Thanks for your input anyway.
I've managed to format my HDD and install Vista.

virus = pwned