[kwlug-disc] [way OT] how to de-virus someone's windows box?

[Johnny Ferguson]

On 07/19/2010 08:22 AM, Kyle Spaans wrote:
> Assuming reinstalling isn't an option, but assuming that the virus
> is smart enough to prevent common Widows-host-based AV
> software from working properly, I suggest scanning it with a
> Linux LiveCD and `clamav`. You may have to install `clamav`
> but it should do the trick of finding the malware on the Windows
> hard drive and delete it too.
>
> On a side note, a friend of mine had the "WinXP AV virus"
> which registers itself as the official AV software with the Windows
> Security Center thing, *and* prevents things like Antivir from
> being able to run. It would scan his computer for him, find
> "viruses", and ask him to pay for the full version online in order
> to get rid of them.
>
> gl&  hf

That right there is pure evil.

My mom sometimes comes to me scared out of her wits, pointing at the 
blinking red text in an explorer window telling her she has a virus, and 
to "click now!" before I explain to her that it's just a very convincing 
pop-up ad. At which point she stares blankly awaiting further instruction.

I really need one of those "no, I will not fix your computer" shirts.

-Johnny