Help - computer won't boot.

[Jazzy88]

My computer got infect with the Data Protection virus and now it won't even boot up. When I start it goes to the screen with the different safe mode options - I've tried all of them with the same result. First it goes to the Compaq splash screen, then it turns black with just a blinking cursor, and then it returns to the safe mode screen.

I am using Win XP

Please help!

[funnyman_123]

Your computer infected by the Virus.... Right
Do OS Reinstallation this will resolve your issue...

[Allan]

http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,46313.0.html

[Jazzy88]

I plan on following these malware removal steps as soon as I caqn get the computer booted up.

Any idea how to get it to boot? If I reinstall the OS will I lose my data? Since I didn't expect to be hit with this virus I didn't back my files up .

Thanks

[Allan]

If you want to save your data follow the instructions in the link above. In the future I strongly recommend you use data imaging software on a regular basis.

[Jazzy88]

Allan -

Forgive me for sounding stupid, but how can I follow the malware removal instructions if I can't even get the computer to boot?

And yes, I'm kicking myself real hard right now for not backing up my system regularly.

Thanks

[Allan]

Sorry, you can't. Download and run a boot time av scanner

[Jazzy88]

Downloaded a couple different boot scanners and they either don't work at all or get hung up halfway through  the scan. As a last resort would it work to remove the HDD and put it into an external enclosure and use the second computer to clean it?

[Computer_Commando]

...As a last resort would it work to remove the HDD and put it into an external enclosure and use the second computer to clean it?

Don't you want to remove your important data first?

[Jazzy88]

Yes I do. Wouldn't I still be able to access my data after I put it into an enclosure & connect to my laptop? Or does it get erased after you unplug it?

I was thinking of enclosing it, connecting it to my laptop, backing up what I needed, and then reformatting it to wipe it clean.

[Computer_Commando]

...I was thinking of enclosing it, connecting it to my laptop, backing up what I needed, and then reformatting it to wipe it clean....

Good plan, but before you reformat, but you may be better off reinstalling Windows with the drive installed in the original computer.  Boot to the Compaq CD.  The reason being the Compaq HD has a hidden partition where the original Windows installation resides as a compressed image.  Also make sure the computer you connect the hard drive to has an updated anti-virus.