15 Trojans in 3 seconds killed my computer, now OS won't load! HELP

[Sophie.annelies]

avira suddenly reported about 10-15 trojan viruses in a few seconds, before I was able to deny them all access I got the blue screen of death and my computer restarted. Now I can't load the OS at all ( yes, that means no safe mode ... Sorry just came from yahoo answers lol).

I'm thinking I'll download Linux/ubuntu and install it but:
will installing a new os wipe my hdd?
Will the virus effect the new os?
Will a virus scan on the new os get rid of the Trojans on xp?
Any other advice?

remember, I have no OS lol...
I'm running windows xp, I wasn't downloading at the time of the crash it wax just random. BSOD occurs when OS tries to load.

[Dr Jay]

Well, we can try to diagnose and remove the threats and get your computer booted.

-OR-

You will have to reformat the drive first, then install the Linux OS.

What would you like to do?

[Sophie.annelies]

I don't want to reformat the drive. My friend has suggested either install ubuntu alongside or run windows xp repair install, which I'm hoping will only overwrite the registry?
Thanks!

[Dr Jay]

I think we should try to disinfect, if you cannot reformat.

If there is a severe infection, it may still be on the machine even with a repair install.

Would you like to try to fix it?

[Sophie.annelies]

"disinfect" sounds good.. But what does that involve doing?

[Dr Jay]

First
ISOBurner this will allow you to burn OTLPE ISO to a cd and make it bootable. Just install the program, from there on in it is fairly automatic.  Instructions

Second

• Download OTLPE.iso and burn to a CD using ISO Burner. NOTE: This file is 292Mb in size so it may take some time to download.
  
• When downloaded double click and this will then open ISOBurner to burn the file to CD
• Reboot your system using the boot CD you just created.

Note : If you do not know how to set your computer to boot from CD follow the steps here

• Your system should now display a REATOGO-X-PE desktop.
• Double-click on the OTLPE icon.
  
• When asked "Do you wish to load the remote registry", select Yes
  
• When asked "Do you wish to load remote user profile(s) for scanning", select Yes
  
• Ensure the box "Automatically Load All Remaining Users" is checked and press OK
  
• OTL should now start. Change the following settings

• Change Drivers to Non-Microsoft
  
• Press Run Scan to start the scan.
  
• When finished, the file will be saved  in drive C:\_OTL\MovedFiles
  
• Copy this file to your USB drive if you do not have internet connection on this system
• Please post the contents of the OTL.txt file in your reply.

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[Sophie.annelies]

I just tried reinstalling and it didn't work what's that Iso file? I can't download it until I can find soneones computer to use but what's it going to do? And will I be able to get into the os by the last step so I can go find that file?

Thanks!

[Dr Jay]

It lists certain files and other information, that I can analyze and provide a fix.

It is worth a shot.

[computersecurity]

Hello, your comment has been removed. Please do not post malware advice, or post here in the malware forum, unless you need help. ~ DragonMaster Jay

[Sophie.annelies]

OK so at this point I have managed to fix my computer myself but I didn't realise my Windows XP is OEM so now I can't activate it  Do you know where I can find a product key that will work?

[Dr Jay]

No. Having your original product key is required. There is an option to replace the product key. Contact Microsoft.

See here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811224