Half OT/ How to remove a virus on windows using Ubuntu

[Bart Silverstrim]

Ashley Benton wrote:
> Hi, I am using Ubuntu 8.10. One of my neighbors ask me to fix his computer
> and I am stuck. The computer is Windows 2000 and doesn't work at all by
> itself so I mounted his hard drive on my computer. From Ubuntu I tried a few
> anti virus programs but the only things they do is find the viruses . Since
> I don't know Windows I don't want just to delete the files or system. Is
> there a program that I can use from Ubuntu to fix his Windows and get rid of
> the viruses? I would have save the documents and reinstall his Windows but
> there are no rescue cds or floppies and I am a little lost as I don't how I
> can help him anymore.

If it's damaged to the point where it doesn't work, your best bet is to 
retrieve *data* files off the system...such as the my 
documents/desktop/favorites folders from under "documents and settings" 
that correspond to your neighbor's username...and reformat the drive.

Thanks to the alternate data streams in NTFS and inadequate security 
settings, and the fact that you said it's already not working at all, 
you *cannot* simply disinfect the system and know for sure it's free of 
malware.

Save data to another drive or CD's, then format the drive and reinstall 
Windows then copy data back.

-Bart