Solved Virus in offline computer

[DustSailor]

Hello folks, one of my computers got a virus through USB thumb drive, and was wondering if you could recommend something to remove it with. The computer is XP, so I posted the problem here instead of the security section.

I used microsoft's scanner and removal tool, and 1 virus was removed. I am 50% sure there was another virus that went undetected.

I can't use an antivirus because they like updating via the internet. I would need to transfer it via USB thumb drive.

I can connect to the internet, but it won't be simple just because of the computer's location and what it is used for. Any suggestions helpful

-thanks

*Edit - but it got moved. Not a problem, but I don't want to bend any rules.

 

[Anak]

You could use this: How do I use ESET SysRescue to create a bootable USB flash drive, CD or DVD? (4.x) - ESET Knowledgebase Just set it up on your main machine, and walk it down to the XP.

 

[Golden]

Hi,

I agree a bootable scanner is the way to go. I've used BitDefender from a bootable USB, but I would be inclined to try the ESET one as linked by Anak.

Regards,
Golden

 

[Corrine]

Hello folks, one of my computers got a virus through USB thumb drive . . .

Regardless of what you use to clean the infected computer, you need to turn off autorun.inf on the USB drive. Two options are Panda USB Vaccine, or BitDefender’s USB Immunizer which can be used to protect your computer from any infected USB device.

A similar tool is dr_Bora's MCShield::Anti-Malware Tool::. This tool will block the autorun.inf, preventing any transferred infected files from automatically opening on your computer. It includes a signature scan.

 

[Jacee]

Panda USB Vaccine as Corrine said!

 

[DustSailor]

I just used Panda on one of my computers and a USB drive, and I got to say its pretty neat. Simple too.

For the other computer with the virus, I haven't yet installed it on there. I'm wondering if the people who use it are smart enough to go into 'my computer' to use the device... and I will need to ask permission to remove autorun off the computer from the actual owner. Some people will risk their security for convenience, and it is a public computer. Technically, they shouldn't be entering in personal data. But I will let the owner know what it does and what they want to do about it. Thanks!

I must say though, the ESET USB scanner doesn't look easy . So much info...

To install WAIK, you will need to either burn the file to a DVD±R disc, or use a virtual DVD program to access it.

I think the instructions are for CD/DVD/USB installations (all jumbled together), but I cannot decipher what steps I need to take in order to put this thing on my USB. I will assume that all I need to do is install the program on my 64bit WIN Vista (don't want to use 7 for this), and then click "create resource CD", at which point I will be able to use my USB as a resource o.0

Let me know if I'm wrong, or if you know of another virus scanner I might try. Thinking of checking bit defender and kaspersky for such programs once I'm home.

Thanks everyone

 

[TheDirtyBomb]

Of course don't forget to scann malware as well. be extreemly careful with the flash drive even if you do have tranfer security i have had personal experinces with viruses infecting security programs and when that happens your in for a world of hurt getting that virus off.

by the way hackers don't go to all the trouble of making their virus usb infectable only to have it removed by the microsoft scanner.

 

[wanchoo]

There are programs that immunise the PC as well the USB Thumb Drives against spreading viruses. I am using one (USB Virus Scan 2.3 Build 1022) on a Laptop with XP on it. Haven't got one yet for my Windows 7 Desktop.

After the viruses have been cleaned I suggest that you try out this or another similar program for preventing future infections. This particular program is very good.

 

[DustSailor]

Of course don't forget to scann malware as well. be extreemly careful with the flash drive even if you do have tranfer security i have had personal experinces with viruses infecting security programs and when that happens your in for a world of hurt getting that virus off.

by the way hackers don't go to all the trouble of making their virus usb infectable only to have it removed by the microsoft scanner.

Thank you for the advice. ESET scanner was recommended, and there has been mention of Kaspersky and bit defender. Do you know of any other programs that I could use from a USB drive that would remove viruses?

There are programs that immunise the PC as well the USB Thumb Drives against spreading viruses. I am using one (USB Virus Scan 2.3 Build 1022) on a Laptop with XP on it. Haven't got one yet for my Windows 7 Desktop.

After the viruses have been cleaned I suggest that you try out this or another similar program for preventing future infections. This particular program is very good.

Thanks for adding that program to the list. The aforementioned Panda does the same. Haven't tried the others as Panda seems to work rather well. I am soon to try mcshield because of its included signature scan. Thanks again!

 

[Golden]

Do you know of any other programs that I could use from a USB drive that would remove viruses?

DS,

I once tried the Kaspersky Rescue ISO, but couldn't get it to update its definitions. A year ago I used the F-Secure Rescue ISO and it did a very good job, but I haven't been able to get it working recently. They seem a bit temperamental at times...

Regards,
Golden

 

[essenbe]

Dusty, I believe WAIK downloads as an ISO file. You can burn it to a DVD or use pendrive linux to install it to USB drive, then install it.

 

[DustSailor]

Yea, I just got that. So I need to format my USB for an ISO in order to do what I need it to do. I must admit I never have used an ISO before, so it would be my first time doing it. Also, I wonder why an ISO is required instead of a simple scan, is there a space issue? What is significant about having the ISO in order to launch the program?

Everythng I've learned about computers has come from the web and self experience, and I am only knowledgeable in the superficial areas of windows. Trying right now to learn as much as I can, I even own a whole lot of books just about computer programming, etc, that I want to get in to.

Thanks again for the help and the suggestions everyone