ubuntu-users Digest, Vol 89, Issue 105

[terry l]

On 01/24/2012 07:00 AM, ubuntu-users-request at lists.ubuntu.com wrote:
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> Today's Topics:
>
>     1. Re: Backing up files on a badly malware infested computer.
>        (Basil Chupin)
>     2. Re: How do I execute a .run file in Linux Mint 11? (Basil Chupin)
>     3. update ruby (Thufir Hawat)
>     4. Re: update ruby (Colin Law)
>     5. Re: update ruby (Colin Law)
>     6. Re: update ruby (Thufir Hawat)
>     7. Re: update ruby (Colin Law)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:24:35 +1100
> From: Basil Chupin<blchupin at iinet.net.au>
> To: ubuntu-users at lists.ubuntu.com
> Subject: Re: Backing up files on a badly malware infested computer.
> Message-ID:<4F1E4EA3.8030406 at iinet.net.au>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
>
> On 24/01/12 10:27, 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
> Go to
>
> http://www.sysresccd.org/Download
>
> and download and burn to a CD the System Rescue Disc 2.3.1. Boot the
> computer using this CD; 'fire up' the terminal/console and mount the
> Windows partition or partitions that you are interested in; then run mc
> (Midnight Commander) and you should see all the data files you want to save.
>
> At this point I will stop because from here you ought to be able to work
> out - using whatever combo of devices at your disposal - on how to copy
> those files containing data to whatever devices you have at your
> disposal and in use.
>
> BC
>