Thanks for all the help. So marsmimar how would i go about the clean install without a windows 7 disk? I am currently awaiting the results of this bootable virus scan, i have high hopes because it is very therough, 6 hours therough, but would like to know how to prepair for a clean install, or if i should contact the manufacturer
before doing a clean install of the OS, why wont you try scanning the PC with Hitman Pro to see if its find anything? If it does detects any sort of malware, you can activate the 30-days trial to remove the malware and see if you can regain the System Restore.
Well I realy thought the kapersky recovery bootable cd would work but, no threats found, I was for sure that this would work and I appreciate the sound advice and will probably use this in the future. AWSOME TO LEARN! But im still stuck with this crappy virus or maybe its another problem, still woundering how I would go about a clean install, I have backed up all important files such as docs, pics, and music. I will be calling the manufacturer tomorrow so any final ideas would be great. P.s. do you think this may just be hardware failure or do viruses become this hard to find?
Last edited by kaoticsolja; 04 Jan 2011 at 01:39. Reason: More
I checked the ASUS website and your machine should have a hidden partition so you can reset everything to factory specs. The hidden partition should be protected from any malware. In upper left corner of ASUS site enter your model number and then select Manual. Download from "Global" not Global DLM for PDF version. Chapter 6, page 6-16 of the user manual has specific instructions on how to access the recovery partition.
ASUSTeK Computer Inc.-Support-
And If I do a complete backup to a External, windows makes an exact image of my HD, will it copy the virus as well?
Hi.
I've been reading over this thread several times these last few days, and I find myself wondering whether the situation in terms of a virus infection is as bad as you suspect.
My reasons for saying this are that you suspected a virus because you werent able to perform a system restore, yet you performed scans with:
- MSE : no trace of infection
- Kaspersky : no trace of infection
- Malwarebytes : no trace of infection
- SpywareDoctor : no trace of infection
- SuperAntiSpyware : no trace of infection
I'm not trying to say you are incorrect, but just trying to play devils advocate in an attempt to give you some peace of mind. If we look at the evidence, can we attribute the problems to your system to malware, or it is feasible that this could it be something else entirely?
I understand that in these situations, its best to take the conservative approach and suspect the worst case scenario. But perhaps its worth thinking about whether the assumption that you were infected, has now become "fact" and is possibly hampering your way forward in terms of getting your system back to the way you would like it.
I hope my post makes sense and is able to help you.
Regards,
Golden
I've used the Win 7 system imaging tool and it has always worked for me. Others on the Forum recommend the free Macrium because it offers a few more options.Thanks alot! I am going to do the recovery today, can anyone tell me if they trust the full backup option in windows 7 or should I nit pick my own documents?
And If I do a complete backup to a External, windows makes an exact image of my HD, will it copy the virus as well?
Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup
Imaging with free Macrium
Whichever one you use, the system image will be an exact copy of your hard drive the moment the image is made. IF the hard drive is infected, and IF you make a system image of that drive, then YES the malware will be copied to the system image.
I would agree with Golden that your system restore issues are probably not malware related. If I were in your shoes I'd try using the recovery partition to return the machine to factory settings. Probably take less than 30 minutes. Get your anti-malware of choice fired up (many here recommend Microsoft Security Essentials) and then get your Windows Updates. Install a couple of programs and make a couple of restore points. Try to access the restore points. If you can I believe your problem is solved. Continue installing your other files, photos, documents, etc and make additional restore points. If you can still access them, once you've got your machine the way you want it, make your system image. And don't forget to make the separate system repair disk if you're using the Windows 7 imaging tool.
System Repair Disc - Create
If at any point you find you cannot access the restore points, then I'd say go ahead and do a complete clean reinstall of 7.
Clean Install Windows 7
Let us know how everything went.
Thanks for the well written reply. I am also concerned about the fact that even the most sophisticated virus detection programs were unable to find a trace of the virus. I have contacted Asus and they have provided me with the option of a clean install via a hidden partition that is not suseptable to virus or corrupt file damage. I am aware that a virus may be very unlikley at this point and have decided to back up my system and effectovly resotre my system to the default settings as i myself, haveing read this many times, may have disterbed my files in a path leading to system corruption (ie. Reg tweeking, disableing services, and adding hardware) not to say it is my fault, but it is a more likley scenario. Or Asus has provided me with an unstable system as i have recieved and repaired multiple BSOD messages. If you habe more input let me know. As for know i plan on only backing up vitle files and skipping the full windows back up
As for my bad grammer , i phone auto spell check
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