[dba-Tech] Windows ME Malware problem

With a full install CD you get the option to just install windows without
changing any current settings.  With a restore CD you probably won't know if
you have that option until you load the CD and see what the options are.  If
it's hosed enough not allow Explorer to run, the only option may be a
reformat and restore with everything wiped out.

Options may be:
1 -Reinstall Windows and keep all settings.  No reformat involved.
Application software and data that the viruses had not infected will
probably all be available.
2 -Reinstall Windows as though a new installation but without reformatting.
After the reinstall any application software can be reinstalled and if no
data sectors were overwritten or affected by the viruses all data should be
available when the data paths are restored.
3 -Reformat and Reinstall.  Of course all application software and data is
lost (including any that may have been preloaded by the manufacturer.)
Essentially it's like starting with a new, out of the box machine.

The restore option(s) will likely be whatever the manufacturer decided to
allow.

Perry Harold

-----Original Message-----
From: dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com
[mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of Steven W. Erbach
Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2004 11:31 AM
To: Discussion of Hardware and Software issues
Subject: [dba-Tech] Windows ME Malware problem


Dear Group,

I helped a fellow with a Windows ME system analyze his virus difficulties.
He has hundreds of infected files, including some essential Windows files
(e.g., Explorer.exe). Since he has a dial-up connection we didn't download
an anti-virus program since I was being paid for my time. He purchased
McAfee and went ahead and scanned his system, finding this long list of
problems. He told McAfee to go ahead and fix all the problems. Well, now his
PC won't start because Explorer.exe has been quarantined. At least that's
what he told me. I should have told him not to run McAfee until he had me on
the horn.

I want to try to help this guy get his PC started again. He, of course, has
no Windows ME disk, as such, but he does have a Restoration CD.

Is there a Safe Mode option in ME to allow system files to be restored
without having to re-install Windows? Not that re-installing Windows would
be such a bad thing. But he's concerned about his programs and data.
Re-installing Windows shouldn't hurt his existing programs, but I'd like to
be able to tell him what to do with some confidence that what I tell him
won't screw things up.

Any ideas?

Sincerely,

Steve Erbach
Scientific Marketing
Neenah, WI
920-969-0504


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