Can i scan a virus infected computer with a clean one?

[markrunbox14]

I have one computer with several viruses and one that is clean and up to date. Is there a way to connect them with a usb cable or something and scan the infected one with the clean one? The infected one will not allow me to install an AV program.

 

[zigzag3143]

I have one computer with several viruses and one that is clean and up to date. Is there a way to connect them with a usb cable or something and scan the infected one with the clean one? The infected one will not allow me to install an AV program.

have you tried malwarebytes? download and install in safe mode.

 

[gregrocker]

What you propose is not a workable solution.

Instead try entering Safe Mode with networking to install, update and run a full scan with Malwarebytes

If this doesn't work, download and burn to CD free BitDefender bootable AV scan, boot to run a full scan: FREE Bootable AntiVirus Rescue CDs Download List.

If Win7 still won't start, use the Win7 DVD or Repair CD to SFC -SCANNOW Run in Command Prompt at Boot to attempt to repair System Files, see if Win7 will start.

Next boot the DVD Repair console or Repair CD to run Startup Repair repeatedly. System Repair Disc - Create

If all fails, you can copy out your files using DVD/Repair CD: Copy & Paste - in Windows Recovery Console

Then run full Factory Recovery or Recovery Disks. If you will post back your make and model we can help you with the steps for Factory Recovery. Or use a Win7 DVD for clean Reinstalling Windows 7

 

[Golden]

Hi Mark,

Your best bet, if you cannot run a scan using something like Malwarebytes from Safe Mode, is to download and burn a bootable rescue disk (I recommend using F-Secure) from the clean PC.

Insert this bootable rescue disk into the infected PC, and then boot the computer, and follow the prompts.

Regards,
Golden

 

[Borg 386]

In addition to the the comments above, if you hook a clean PC to an infected one, you run a risk of infecting the clean PC.

 

[Dwarf]

You could always put the HDD from the infected machine into an external USB enclosure, plug it into the good machine and scan it from there. What I would do before plugging the external drive in is to firstly manually update your AV and MBAM (I recommend that if you haven't got MBAM that you download and install it). Next, scan the good system with the AV and MBAM to ensure that it is virus-free. Disconnect from the Internet (this should prevent the virus from reinstalling itself if parts of it are deleted as some are able to). Plug in the external drive and scan with both your AV and MBAM, and allow them to take whatever action they deem necessary, including restarting. Note that you may need to make more than one scan with each tool to ensure that all traces of malware are removed. It would be a good idea to update the definitions between each scan (unplug the external drive before reconnecting to the Internet and only reconnect it once you have disconnected again).

You should also consider the Microsoft Standalone System Sweeper http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/166445-microsoft-standalone-system-sweeper.html

 

[sidneyalford]

You can. I had the same problem. I copied all of my important files onto a flash drive and took it to my clean laptop. Whenever i loaded them I didnt scan the files, it led to a virus on the computer. I had to get it cleaned with the Geek Squad. Make sure you dont transfer files back and forth because even with email it will send you a virus. hope this helps


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[Golden]

You can. I had the same problem. I copied all of my important files onto a flash drive and took it to my clean laptop

Hi,

What you described is not the same thing as the original query - connecting directly two computers in order to scan one with the other.

Regards,
Golden

 

[sidneyalford]

yes sir scan one with the other

 

[curtiswardwell]

I have a kit similar to the following link: USB 2.0 to IDE/SATA Serial ATA Hard Drive Adapter Cable Kit. You can also buy it at any computer store. By using this cable kit you can take the HD aout of any infected computer and see it as another drive on a clean computer and run the Malware bytes and any Antivurs to clean the infected Harddrive. This kit works with all forms of harddrives.

 

[gregrocker]

Unplug any other HD on a computer you're moving potential infection to.

It really isn't a good idea even then as the BIOS could become fatally infected. Best to confine it to problem PC and use bootable AV scan for disinfection and file rescue/quarantine: FREE Bootable AntiVirus Rescue CDs Download List

Bitdefender is good.