Possible MBR virus?

[jcgirl004]

About two weeks ago my computer froze after remaining idle for a while (the mouse wasn't moving and keyboard wasn't responding so I couldn't start task manager) and when I tried to restart the computer manually, the computer was unable to bootup (it hung at the black screen just before the windows logo appears). Now whenever I try to start my computer I get a message that says windows failed to start and have an option to repair but the computer freezes just as the repair starts. I then tried to load my recovery CD and start that automatically from BIOS and it began working after a couple tries but then stopped. I then tried to use the recovery CD again but the CPU stopped sending a signal to the monitor (the monitor says it's not receiving a signal even though the CPU seems like its on). I unplugged the CPU and monitor and just recently tried to see if the CPU would send a signal to the monitor, but windows still refuses to startup.

I have an Acer desktop with a windows vista operating system. The computer is only about 2 years old.

I did some research and I think I might have a MBR virus. If anyone can confirm this and tell me how to fix the problem or if I'm wrong, tell me what the problem is and how to fix it. Thanks in advance for all your help.

[SuperDave]

Hello  and welcome to Computer Hope Forum. My name is Dave. I will be helping you out with your particular problem on your computer. I am working under the guidance of one of the specialist of this forum so it may take a bit longer to process your logs.

1. I will be working on your Malware issues. This may or may not solve other issues you have with your machine.
2. The fixes are specific to your problem and should only be used for this issue on this machine.
3. If you don't know or understand something, please don't hesitate to ask.
4. Please DO NOT run any other tools or scans while I am helping you.
5. It is important that you reply to this thread. Do not start a new topic.
6. Your security programs may give warnings for some of the tools I will ask you to use. Be assured, any links I give are safe.
7. Absence of symptoms does not mean that everything is clear.

Are you getting any beeps while it's booting? If so, what are they? See here to find out what they mean. It sounds like there may be a problem with the hardware or overheating. You could also try a rescue disk/USB

Go to this link to create a Rescue CD or to this site to create a Rescue USB. Carefully follow all the instructions for whichever method you choose.

[kristain]

Hello, your comment has been removed. Please do not post malware advice, or post here in the malware forum, unless you need help.  This is your second warning. If you want to help, please go here. Superdave.

[jcgirl004]

Thanks for your help I'm sorry I haven't responded back in a long time. I was just wondering what the chances were that the recovery CD would fix my computer and if it would be fully functional after I used the CD.

To answer your question, I don't hear any beeps other than if I press F8 or F12 to try and start the computer in Safe Mode or use the recovery CD that came with my computer. The only sounds I hear are ones that I usually hear when starting up the computer.

[SuperDave]

Your recovery CD  will take your computer back to the day you purchased it. If there is no malware and the problem is not caused by your computer hardware, you should be set to go. If there is malware, you will still have the same problems.

[jcgirl004]

I'm sorry I should have been more specific. I was talking about the rescue CD that you gave instructions on how to make. Would that CD fix my computer and allow it to function properly because from reading the instructions, it seemed like the CD would scan the computer and fix/remove any viruses therefore fixing it.

[SuperDave]

The Rescue CD should get rid of some of the infections that are blocking your computer: at least, well enough to be able to boot and run some other scans. Please let me know how you manage with that?

[jcgirl004]

So I made the Rescue CD and had no problems burning the program. Upon using the CD in my computer everything seemed fine until the program stopped loading. I booted the computer up from the BIOS screen and selected the CD/DVD drive and the Dr. Web program started. I chose the default version because that seemed to be the most straightforward. However once the program started to load, either the computer froze or the program just stopped.

Is there anything else that I could try or am I just too impatient and should see if the program is slow in loading?

[SuperDave]

You could try this one. It's the same procedure but it might just help.

We are going to be using a Windows Recovery Environment to help disinfect the system so it may boot again.

Download the OTLPE Standard REATOGO Windows Recovery Environment.

• Place a blank CD-R disc in to your CD burning drive.
• Download OTLPEStd.exe and double-click on it to burn to a CD using ISO Burner.
  
• 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.
  

[jcgirl004]

Sorry for not responding back in a while but I had my friend's uncle who's a computer engineer look at my CPU to try and see what the problem is. Turns out the motherboard is fried and he can replace it but there really is no point.

Thanks for all your help!