Safe Mode for Virus Eliminations

[Info Network]

We understand that rebooting the computer into SAFE MODE after
learning of a virus will get RID of that virus and others that may
seep into the system.

Are there any tasks/tricks to execute WHILE being in Safe Mode
before one reboots BACK to the normal OS setting?

If not, we were just wondering....thanks!

-Infnet

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

A virus scan can be done in 'Normal' mode - and in most cases the virus can
be deleted from there. One exception is if the virus is in the System
Volume Information folder - then it has to be manually deleted. That
applies to Safe Mode as well.

 

[johnf]

XP is the smartest (?) OS from MS to date, but it's not that good.
Sorry, afraid you'll have to resort to a well-recognised, updated AV,
AdAware, Spybot & cwshredder (run in Normal mode)

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Booting into safe mode does not get rid of anything. Safe mode simply
reduces the number and character of the processes running on the computer.
If you have a virus or spyware, you need to take steps to remove it and you
need to take further steps to prevent it from returning.

 

[Info Network]

Booting into safe mode does not get rid of anything. Safe mode simply
reduces the number and character of the processes running on the computer.
If you have a virus or spyware, you need to take steps to remove it and you
need to take further steps to prevent it from returning.

Well, one time it was suggested rebooting the computer into SAFE MODE after
one of those viruses that shuts down the computer in 30 seconds occurs....

We did just that, and the shut down stopped - thus the virus had been
either contained or was just cleaned-away vis Safe Mode.

-Infnet

 

[johnf]

How did you come to the conclusion that it WAS a virus & not just a hiccup
in XP that a reboot cleared?
Once you're infected, a virus stays there until you use the appropriate
software to remove it.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Safe mode is for running the computer with limited services when a service
or program is causing the computer to fail and needs fixing. You actually
have to do the fix. No virus clears itself after a safe mode reboot. You
have to remove a virus with anti-virus software or manually by following
instructions specific to the virus.

 

[Ken Blake]

Well, one time it was suggested rebooting the computer into SAFE MODE
after
one of those viruses that shuts down the computer in 30 seconds occurs....

We did just that, and the shut down stopped - thus the virus had been
either contained or was just cleaned-away vis Safe Mode.

Regardless of what was suggested, Colin is absolutely correct.Booting into
safe mode does not get rid of anything. It may be the first step in solving
certain kinds of problems, but by itself it does nothing permanent.

 

[Road Runner]

Hi there ...

If you have an Anti-virus Program which is fairly new ? Meaning you are for
sure that you are still receiving or are able to receive update definitions,
usually under a year old ? Then update yours definitions . Okay now you
need to download
a few programs first one is Ad aware ( free Version ) and you can get it
from here.



http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/



Now start this program up and JUST get the latest updates for it...



Next program >> Spybot Search and Destroy (Free!)



http://www.safer-networking.net/en/download/index.html



Next Program >> SpywareBlaster (Free!)



http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html



Okay now you need to perform this operation from this website below



http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310405





Okay this is next to perform below :



Click Start. >>Open My Computer. Select the Tools menu and click Folder
Options. Select the View Tab.

Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and
folders. Uncheck the Hide protected

operating system files (recommended) option. Click Yes to confirm. Click OK.

Don't worry about the WARNING pop up windows this is normal .



Now its time to restart your computer in SAFE MODE



Restart the computer. The computer begins processing a set of instructions
known as the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS).

What is displayed depends on the BIOS manufacturer. Some computers display a
progress bar that refers to the word BIOS,

while others may not display any indication that this process is happening.

As soon as the BIOS has finished loading, begin tapping the F8 key on your
keyboard. Continue to do so until the Windows Advanced

Options menu appears. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some
computers display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve

this, restart the computer and try again.

Using the arrow keys on the keyboard, scroll to and select the Safe mode
menu item, and then press Enter...

Okay once in safe mode do the following : Clear out your Temporary internet
files and other temp files.
Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel >Internet Options.
Under the General tab click the Delete temporary internet files,
delete all Offline content as well. Clear out Cookies.

Also, go to Start > Find/search > Files or folders > in the named box, type:
*.tmp and choose Edit > select all -> File > delete.

Empty/delete the entire contents of the C:\Windows\temp folder and C:\temp
folder, if you have one. (Contents but not the folder itself.)

This one too if Win2K or XP.
C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Temp\

Delete your recycling bin ...

Now its time to start Ad Aware and just basically perform the options its
set at for now ... Just run the program and just remove whatever it finds...

Start your spybor search and destory and do the same with this program

Also with the spyware blaster , just clean what it finds , its pretty basic
.....

Now its time to start your Anti - Virus Program and run it and see what it
finds ... First choice is to repair whatever it finds, if that can't be done
then delete the file...

Now its time to restart your computer back to normal mode and reset your
setting back too

Once your computer is up and running do the following :

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310405

and this next >>> :
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/xpsysrst.mspx

Okay after all this is done and you want to be sure whether you have any
virus , Try doing the following from these sites and scan your computer ,
See if it finds anything



http://housecall.trendmicro.com/


http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm


http://www.bitdefender.com/scan/licence.php


http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/home.asp


http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/virusinfo/scan.aspx



The information is provided "as is", It basically means that I am

Not responsible for any action you take from my advise , Though do research
for
yourself before you take any advice - you are the one ultimately
responsible for your actions