Expert: Brian Benosky - 10/11/2008

Question
Dear Brian Benosky,
Trojan and backdoor viruses have taken over my computer. It will not turn run any operating systems. It won't even work in safe mode. Every time I turn it on I get a  message asking about safe mode. I select yes and all that happens is I go to another screen(this time a blue one) that dumps my memory. I am on another one of my computers to send this message but I really need files from that computer and hope I can fix it without having to send it in to a IT SUPERSTAR who will charge me a fortune for something you lovely people here could do for free.
Thank you much,
Confused

Answer
Hi Confused

First thing I would do is open the computer (you didn't specify laptop or PC) and check the RAM.  Make sure it is seated in the slot fully, and if you have more than one stick installed, try booting with one then the other (either stick could be bad).  If RAM is not the problem, then you will need a boot CD to load diagnostic tools (or even linux) in order to repair or extract files.  I use the free Ultimate Boot CD:

http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/

Read through the tools, then download and burn a copy.  Boot to the CD, then first run the F-Prot Antivirus program.  Hopefully that will clean things up enough to boot Windows.  If not, you will need to run further tools to discover the cause of the BSOD.  If you need further assistance, just ask.

Brian