Virus just makes my PC reboot, then reboot again...and again

Viruses and worms
1

I’m running Avast 6.0.1 in all of our PC’s. One of my kids’ PC’s (Win XP Media Ctr) picked up a virus from a game site where the now PC just reboots and reboots.

Is there a boot CD that I can download and run on this machine to disinfect it? Or will I have to do a clean Windows install.

As always…thank you for your advise and help!

2
  1. Follow instructions: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=53253.0
  2. Post your logs here.
3

If I have read the instructions on the link correctly, the instructions assume that I am able to perform the tasks…which I cannot.

The PC gets to the desktop for maybe 10 seconds, then reboots…the the same thing again and again.

4

Try to boot in safe mode with network.

5

I forgot how to boot in safe mode… :-[

6

Press (repeatedly) the F8 key while Windows starts up.

7

Thank you…

I tried to boot in safe mode as you said but I get an error message that says:

Windows could not start becasue the following file is missing or corrupt. windows root.sys32\hal.dll

it may not be EXACTLY as I typed above but my guess is that you will understand this…

8

Try this:

  1. Start the computer, and then press the F8 key when Windows begins to start. The Windows Advanced Options menu appears.
  2. Use the ARROW keys to select Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings that worked), and then click OK.
  3. If a start menu appears, use the ARROW keys to select Microsoft Windows XP, and then click OK
9

Just in case I wasn’t clear…I was able to get into the Advanced Options menu…I then selected the “with networking” option…then I had a choice of either Media Center or XP (I think it was this)

I chose Media Center…that’s when I got the error message…

Should I still do the “last known config…” process?

10

Yes, please do so.

11

I did it and still get the same message… :-[

12

I’ll ask essexboy to assist you.
He’ll be here later today.

13

The PC that is infected is pretty much only used for gaming at this time. There is no valuable data on the HD’s. Would it be just as easy (in your opinion) to reinstall the operating system vs. try to continue to remove the infection?

14

Well, that depends what infection is there. :wink:
As we can’t access your system atm, it’s hard to tell.
If you should reinstall, please tell us, so essexboy won’t need to investigate.

15

You’re a big help!! LOL!!!

Seriously…I’m going to be traveling for the next 3 days so I need to have the PC up and running again by tonight or my youngest boy will turn me into a rotten pumpkin. ;D

You’re saying that even with a reinstall the virus could reappear??!! :o

16

Did you tried to use RESCUE DISK? I think it is the best way to delete all viruses from your computer!

17

The easiest option with no important data on it would be a full reinstall as it is a system file that is missing and I would need to locate a spare via a live CD

Have a look at this post http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/topic/173729-reformat-and-install-of-windows/

18

I have chosen the option of reformatting the HD. Many thanks :slight_smile: to Asyn and Essexboy for their time and help!

This is why I run Avast! Easily the best support in the world! ;D

19

Glad to be of assistance ;D

20

You’re welcome…!