[BKSinAZ]

Curious about how the professionals remove viruses from badly infected computers? Obviously they cant use the anti-virus program that is installed on the infected computer and they just can't format every computer they run into, so what do the pros do? What do they use?

[ECTech]

that depends on what virus it is and how it affects the OS. in a normal situation where you have a computer thats badly infected, i would first disconnect it from the network. then determine what works and what doesn't. if i see that the OS itself is still in good condition, i will start the cleaning process. if not, then its best to do a clean install.

[BKSinAZ]

Originally Posted by ECTech

that depends on what virus it is and how it affects the OS. in a normal situation where you have a computer thats badly infected, i would first disconnect it from the network. then determine what works and what doesn't. if i see that the OS itself is still in good condition, i will start the cleaning process. if not, then its best to do a clean install.

That is what I am attempting to find out....what is the cleaning process? What do you use?

[mBernhardt]

From my standpoint as a "professional" (they pay me, I must know what I'm doing... )

If a computer is really badly infected and it can be done, I'd rather re-image the machine and start from "scratch". That, of course, works better in larger corporate environments where you have a base image with most of the software already installed. (With software packaging for everything else)

When that isn't an option, there are some live-cd's out there that have Antivirus software included. (BartPE, Some linux live-cds) This way you have a known clean environment that can scan parts of the installed OS that you couldn't get to while its running. (or couldn't trust because it may be infected)

[ECTech]

you could use something like this - AVG Anti-Virus and Internet Security - AVG Rescue CD

Or if you have a bit more money you could use this - O&O Software - O&O BlueCon V6

[Ajay!]

Buy yourself a memory storage device and re-formatt I think is the best way. I've done that twice before, costs no money simple and 100% effective and takes about 20mins.

Really why take it to a store where they will probably do exactly the same thing in most cases or do a registry scan if not a virus. The software they use is the software you can buy.