Backing up files on a badly malware infested computer.

[Johnny]

On 01/23/2012 06:27 PM, Bill Stanley wrote:
> Maybe you people might be able to figure out something.  It concerns 
> installing unbuntu on a very badly malware infested Windows machine. 
> Also note that I don't fix computers as my job.  I'm doing this as a 
> favor for my sister and at this point, fixing this has become a 
> personal challenge. I'm retired so time is not a problem, otherwise I 
> wouldn't take this challenge.   (I'm not going to let this beat me!)  
> Now the problem
>
> On badly infested computers I usually just back up the data files and 
> reinstall the OS.  Since she misplaced the original Windows disks we 
> agreed to give Linux a try.  So far, no problems?  WRONG!  I can't 
> back up the data files no matter how hard I try.  I think I'm battling 
> a rootkit of some sort (maybe more than one.)  The data files do not 
> seem  to have been corrupted.
>
> My first try was to do something simple.  I have more than enough disk 
> space on my computer so I tried transferring the data files to my 
> computer.   I can't get a network connection.  I tried to establish a 
> connection both ways and failed.
>
> My second try was to use the CD-ROM disk burner that is on her 
> computer.  I can't even transfer the data files onto CR-ROM.
>
> My third attempt was to try booting Linux on  her computer using an CD 
> install disk.  I figured that surely Linux would be able to get past 
> the problem, but I can't boot (and, yes, I made sure the boot settings 
> in the BIOS were right)  I've checked the disk using other computers 
> and it's good.
>
> Is there anything I missed?  I am at the point were I'm thinking about 
> of installing her hard as the slave drive on my old computer.  I will 
> then boot to Linux on my master HD and then get the data files off.
>
> Once I have the data files off, I will COMPLETELY wipe her HD , 
> reinstall it in her computer and proceed as if it was a new install.
>
> Comments anyone?  (Other than I am insane which I know that I probably 
> am!)
>
> Bill Stanley
>
As long as your old PC is using Windows that sounds the best to me.
Good Luck and God Bless Johnny3 65+++