One of my lovely family members (who can hardly use a PC) has managed to get a virus on their PC

basically the PC wont allow you top open any files or even the internet (it flashes up the disappears)

now i'm hoping i can start the PC in safe mode, and try and sort it that way (is it still hold f8 on boot up?)

If i cant do this i'm tempted to restore the PC back to factory settings using the restore disc, but he's lost the restore disc!

so my question is: how do i restore the pc without the restore disc if i need to do it?

Matt

 

you need to acquire a copy of windows xp or home OEM verison

also before you reinstall it, it would be wise to download the computer drivers prior to reinstallation

this is assuming the cd key is still on the cover

 

NUKE IT!

Take hard disk out, save all data required on another drive, replace hard drive, and install a fresh copy of XP then sort out the drivers.

 

Get it into Safe Mode, run some Anti Virus software on it (AVG, Avast, etc) and see if that cures it. If not, try doing a System Restore (not a re-installation - use the System Restore function from START > ALL PROGRAMS > ACCESSORIES > SYSTEM TOOLS) back to before the virus was known to be there...

 

Buying a new hard drive to sort a virus, ive heard it all now

Reinstalling windows(if what Thrush said didnt work) will sort it perfectly in most instances

 

that was my plan to do it in safe mode i'll give it a go!

 

cheers all

 

He didn't say that

 

Thrush nailed it. Reboot in safe mode with networking, download Avast! for free and run the Avast! boot scan. The once it is done and killed what it can, reboot and scan again. UBER thorough scan of all drives.

 

My bad, i read that all wrong

 

**update**

round his house now; ran pc in safe mode and still wont allow me to load internet browser, just flashes up then disappears

tried system restore in safe mode and normal mode but get the following messgae

"system restore is not able to protect your computer. Please restart your computer, and then run system restore again"

tried that and the same message!
help!!

 

You'll need a second computer. Download firefox onto it, move installer to a USB thumbdrive. I'm guessing the hijack went after IE.

If no luck there, download Avast! installer on the second computer (use USB key to move it to infected computer), it should be able to call home and get the latest definitions minus browser.

 

cheers; job for tomorrow then! havent got a usb pen with me

 

You are one funny guy

 

Thank you, Steve

 

As above i read it wrong.

 

If it were me i'd be chucking a XP reboot disc into it. Any disc will work (as long as an xp home disc is out in a xp home machine etc etc), put in the serial number from the sticker on the side of the computer and do a fresh install!

Then slap him round the head for looking at dog porn