Don't Force Safe Mode on Infected PC
One of the standard instructions when trying to clean an infected computer has been to use safe mode to do the repairs.
More and more of today's new malware deletes or alters the safeboot key in the registry rendering the user unable to reboot into safe mode. The important notice here is that you do not want to use the System Configuration Utility (msconfig) method to force safe mode when a user reports problems booting into safe mode as it could bring about disasterous results!
Based upon findings posted by Blender at SpywareWarrior, who is a Microsoft MVP-Security, this is info you need to know when instructing a user to boot into safe mode if you are dealing with an infected computer.
I'm changing canned speeches and FAQ regarding booting to safe mode for the instructions and Urls/links to NOT use the System Configuration Utility (msconfig) method for booting to safe mode.
For instance, I had been using Symantec's instruction for the longest time, however, recently learned that they have changed their instruction to the msconfig method only for XP! Following is some important info helpers need to know.
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18150258
