Windows won't start....Help

[Guest]

A friends computer became infected with a virus that kept shutting down the
computer. I started the computer in safe mode and removed all entries and
tried to run the virus scanning software which would not run as it had become
corrupted. I uninstalled the AV software and tried to reload it but it kept
saying it was unable to start. Now the computer won't start in any mode
(Safe,last known etc.). I have tried to reload windows which the computer has
done but it still only gets so far then just restarts. Is is worth trying to
scan the affected computers hard drive with my computer (via a cable) to try
and sort it out. Any useful suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank
you

 

[Guest]

Several things. One, you didnt say what make and model. I assume it is a
major brand like HP or Compaq or something. You state that you attempted to
reload windows, but not how. With recovery CDs or using a keystroke like F10?
When a recovery is done, you Must have everything except the mouse,
keyboard, monitor and power detached from the computer. If this is an older
version of XP, like SP1 or older, then, you DO NOT want to attempt to go onto
the net without the Firewall and a current AV installed. (should be a 2006
version as the older ones are so outdated as to be no protection at all)
Make certain, that if you are using a MFG Recovery partition or CD, that you
need to look for Advanced options or Format and Restore options. This will
totally clear the Hard drive, (user partition if using a keystroke to start
the recovery). What virus? Some viruses Can get into the bios on a
motherboard if left on a system long enough. If this happens, one can attempt
to Flash the motherboard, but this is a risky proceedure on an infected
board.
Hope this points you the right direction

 

[TheRealFastlane]

Barry, what you describe is for many users, normal windows
behavior but it can also be indicative of a failing power
supply and/or system intolerable fluctuation in the power.
If the system is infected and neither of you are using NTFS
drives, what you can do is use AVG free (or registered) on
your machine to create a rescue disk set (7-3.5"floppies).
Update AVG so all its components are current then, for disk
1, use the operating system to to format the diskette and
put a checkmark in the "Create MS-DOS startup diskette" box.
Once formatted start or return to AVG, click services on the
menubar and select rescue disk. Follow the prompts but do
not let AVG reformat the first diskette (or it will no
longer be bootable), it shouldask you to insert disks 2
through 7. Once completed, go to his machine, insert disk 1,
start the machine and enter cmos (or setup) to configure the
floppy as the first boot device (if necessary). How long it
will take is dependent on how much data is on his drive(s).
An average system will take slightly longer than 28.21
(12oz cans) of beer each )

On Tue, 31 Jan 2006 18:42:27 -0800, "Dragnlance"

.... What virus? Some viruses Can get into the bios on a

motherboard if left on a system long enough. If this happens, one can attempt
to Flash the motherboard, but this is a risky proceedure on an infected
board.
Hope this points you the right direction

--RamDrive is NOT a harddisk installation method.