Re: Boot XP Pro from floppy

Tech Tip: Click here to run a free scan for Windows Errors and optimize PC performance

Ron Martell wrote:


I need to boot XP from a floppy, access my C: drive and run a virus scan.

Not sure exactly what you want to do.
I have a command line AntiVirus program, using McAfee definitions, on my C: drive that is my XP boot drive formatted NTSF. and I want to boot from a floppy get a C:> prompt and run my AV. This will give me a clean boot so I can scan my system.

I have already run the AV program from Safe mode and Command mode but there are so many files locked by XP the AV prgram can't scan them and virus warning keep coming up. My system is regularly protected by F-Secure but a 'snoop' virus got through on a download.

If the hard drive is FAT32 then a Windows 98 or ME boot floppy
(www.bootdisk.com) will suffice to allow you to run a DOS based virus
scanner such as F-Prot.
It is formatter NTSF. May be this was a mistake when I installed XP.

If your hard drive is NTFS then you will need the 6 diskette boot set
from http://support.microsoft.com?kbid=310994 to run the DOS virus
scanner.
I have already created those disks and tried them. All you can do is perform an install or press F3 to quit. I can not get to the C: drive.

If you need to run a simple Windows based virus scanner such as
McAfee's Stinger then you will need to create a bootable CD using
Bart's PE Builder from http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/
Visited that site but the pages I need to get to do not display so I really don't know hwat he has to offer.

If you need to run a more sophisticated Windows based antivirus then
your best bet is to remove the hard drive from the infected machine
and install that drive temporarily as a second hard drive in a
functioning machine and do the virus scan from there.
If all else fails.

Thanks Ron
Hal Murray
Calgary
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Help please!
    ... How do you know you HAVE a virus? ... What is the name of your antivirus program and EXACTLY what is the name ... good password) that is the only way to do things like install new programs ... Systemworks 2004, Norton Personal Firewall, and a network base station with ...
    (microsoft.public.security.virus)
  • Re: Pl Help ME
    ... Which anti - virus shall i install in my system in order to have some good ... Choosing the right antivirus program is a personal exercise. ... Modern antivirus program's are getting very good at checking for malware ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.accessibility)
  • Re: error trying to start a dos prompt
    ... I have a program that uses it to install a program ... cmd works in the start window but command does not ... > scanning engine and the virus pattern files. ... Create a new folder on your Desktop or the C: ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Virus Infection-W32.Nolon@mm (NQH_Kiss_You)
    ... virus is because you have apparently not installed a descent antivirus program. ... Then purchase a good antivirus program and install it. ... Norton AntiVirus - protects your PC from viruses ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin)
  • Re: What are some of the files to Look For...
    ... A good antivirus program will identify the infection. ... Detection' button and get a free remote virus scan. ... You should also install all the critical security patches and Service Packs ...
    (microsoft.public.security.virus)