Storage devices and viruses

[MsSparkie]

I had a back up of some files on my memory stick.
A few months later (last week) I had a major virus problem which locked me out of the computer, just cycling between log in, log off, log in, log off.

Someone cleaned the computer for me and I was able to log in.  I got a lot of filles off the computer onto CD's and some on my memory stick.

After that, I saw more viruses were on the computer and it has now shut down and won't reboot.  It wasn't really cleared of viruses at all.

But my question is:  Do you think I can get from my memory stick the older files I put there before the files I put on it that may have a virus?  Is it possible the virus, if now on the memory stick, could somehow effect the older files that did not have viruses?

Can they move across?

My plan is to use an old computer to read the files on the memory stick, drag or copy the one file I really need to a cd by itself.  Then scan the CD. 

I had to buy a new computer and am scared to infect it.  But need to continue working on this file which is a part time job.

[harry 48]

memory sticks , etc  , can carry a virus from pc to pc , if you had a virus and you downloaded files etc , you could have put the virus on the memory stick

[MsSparkie]

Thanks...but my question is:

Can files without viruses previously on the memory stick be infected if new files are loaded on if they have a virus?  Would it effect the old clean files on the device?

[harry 48]

i would say , yes , as the files would be on the pc

[MsSparkie]

Argh!!!!  That sucks!  LOL

Do they have an 'executible' file within them?  What triggers them to run?
I accept your word, and won't expect the old pre-virus files to be clean, but hard to understand how it happens that they get the virus too.

I'd really like to understand this.  Can you explain? 

:-)

[evilfantasy]

Usually when a storage device is infected it's by an autorun worm. But you can transfer infected .exe or other files and cross infect other computers.

Flash Drive Cleanup

Download Flash Disinfector by sUBs and save it to your Desktop.
 

• Double-click Flash_Disinfector.exe to run it.
• Your desktop and icons may disappear. This is normal.
• It will do a cleanup of removable storage devices, and write a protected Autorun.inf file to help prevent re-infection.
  
• Follow any prompts that may appear.
• The utility may ask you to insert your flash drive and/or other removable drives including your mobile phone. Please do so and allow the utility to clean up those drives as well.
• Wait until it has finished scanning and then exit the program.
• There will be no GUI interface or log file produced.
• Reboot your computer when done.

.
Note: Flash_Disinfector will create a hidden folder named autorun.inf in each partition and every USB drive plugged in when you ran it. Don't delete this folder...it will help protect your drives from future infection.

[evilfantasy]

You can also scan your flash drive for virus with Kaspersky.

Plug in the USB drive prior to performing the steps below.

Please keep ALL other programs closed during the scan

Run an online scan with the Kaspersky Online Scanner

• The program will launch and then start to download the latest definition files.
• Once the scanner is installed and the definitions downloaded, click Next.
  
• Now click on Scan Settings
  
• Now under select a target to scan select Your USB drive.
  
• Once the scan is complete it will display if your system has been infected.
• Please do not use your computer while the scan is running. Once the scan is complete it will display if your USB drive has been infected.
  
• Click the Save Report As... button.

• In the Save as... prompt, select Desktop
  
• In the File name box, name the file KasScan-ddmmyy (or similar)
  
• In the Save as type prompt, select Text file (see below)

.
Note for Internet Explorer 7 users: If at any time you have trouble with the accept button of the license, click on the Zoom tool located at the right bottom of the IE window and set the zoom to 75 %. Once the license accepted, reset to 100%.

[MsSparkie]

Thank you EF!!!!!  This is awesome help and advice and I'll do it carefully.
I really appreciate you help.

Fingers crossed....

 

[harry 48]

evil is an expert take his advice , i was just giving you advice not what to do , harry