Hacker attack? Now I can't boot into safe mode.

aireq · 04-07-2009, 12:09 AM

So a minute ago I'm browsing the web on my net book connected wirelessly to my wireless router (which is in turn connected to my cable modem). I was on Ebaums world watching some funny videos and what looked like WinRAR opens which a bunch of *.sys files, and then I see some installation program trying to put files in C:\windows\system32\ but before I could do anything my computer blue screens.

At that point I can't turn off my computer (it's a NetBook) with the on off switch and end up having to unplug it and pull out the battery. I disable the wireless, and try to start it again. It gets to the windows login, but a little while after I click my user icon, it blue screens for a second and then immediately restarts.

Then I tried booting into safe mode without networking, with networking, and with command prompt. I'll see the drivers start to load for a second, but then it just restarts again.

The list of drivers that it shows after trying to boot into safemode disapears after a second or two, and the blue screen only flashes for a second after trying a regular login before it restarts. Yet I was able to get a picture of both with my digital camera.

Blue Screen
Driver List

Seems like a full windows reinstall is my only option. Anyone got any other ideas. This was totally out of the blue. I have zone alarm installed, but I'm not sure if it was running at the time as I've been having problems with it blocking my connection to my other computer on my network.

Eric

Ghostman 1 · 04-07-2009, 09:34 AM

It sounds like you picked up a Virus, Do you have a setup CD ? You could try a repair / recovery .. i would try a repair / recovery first, then if that doesn't work,then it is time for a FULL reinstall..

Anti-Trend · 04-07-2009, 10:32 PM

If I was you, I'd just run Linux on it. Linux on netbooks is a match made in heaven. In that case, none of your limited resources need to go towards security software, since Linux is not susceptible to viruses and other malware.

Otherwise, an offline virus scan might be the only thing to do the trick. In other words, boot to a live CD, mount your HDD, and scan from there. That way the virus cannot interfere with the process. Even then there are no guarantees, but at least you've got a chance.

Good luck.

04-07-2009, 12:09 AM	# 1 (permalink) Top
aireq Geek Trainee Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1 Status: Offline	Hacker attack? Now I can't boot into safe mode. So a minute ago I'm browsing the web on my net book connected wirelessly to my wireless router (which is in turn connected to my cable modem). I was on Ebaums world watching some funny videos and what looked like WinRAR opens which a bunch of *.sys files, and then I see some installation program trying to put files in C:\windows\system32\ but before I could do anything my computer blue screens. At that point I can't turn off my computer (it's a NetBook) with the on off switch and end up having to unplug it and pull out the battery. I disable the wireless, and try to start it again. It gets to the windows login, but a little while after I click my user icon, it blue screens for a second and then immediately restarts. Then I tried booting into safe mode without networking, with networking, and with command prompt. I'll see the drivers start to load for a second, but then it just restarts again. The list of drivers that it shows after trying to boot into safemode disapears after a second or two, and the blue screen only flashes for a second after trying a regular login before it restarts. Yet I was able to get a picture of both with my digital camera. Blue Screen Driver List Seems like a full windows reinstall is my only option. Anyone got any other ideas. This was totally out of the blue. I have zone alarm installed, but I'm not sure if it was running at the time as I've been having problems with it blocking my connection to my other computer on my network. Eric

04-07-2009, 10:32 PM	# 3 (permalink) Top
Anti-Trend Nonconformist Geek Join Date: Oct 2003 Age: 28 Male Posts: 5,520 Times Helpful: 662 Status: Offline My Computer	If I was you, I'd just run Linux on it. Linux on netbooks is a match made in heaven. In that case, none of your limited resources need to go towards security software, since Linux is not susceptible to viruses and other malware. Otherwise, an offline virus scan might be the only thing to do the trick. In other words, boot to a live CD, mount your HDD, and scan from there. That way the virus cannot interfere with the process. Even then there are no guarantees, but at least you've got a chance. Good luck. __________________ Try Linux \| Install Linux \| Visit My Server \| Support HWF \| HWF Kernel Repo \| Remember Everything

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Can not get out of Safe Mode.	efx2003	Windows OS's	2	27-06-2006 10:55 PM
Any way to use Serial port in safe mode?	Brooks	General Hardware	3	14-05-2006 04:04 PM
pc looks as if in safe mode	sunrise	Video Cards, Displays and TV Tuners	6	24-04-2006 07:26 PM
Win XP Pro Safe Mode	hawkeye60	Windows OS's	1	14-06-2005 08:45 PM
Safe Mode	mel1234	General Hardware	1	14-11-2004 08:09 PM

04-07-2009, 09:34 AM	# 2 (permalink) Top
Ghostman 1 Ultra Geek Join Date: May 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 961 Times Helpful: 43 My Mood: Mellow Status: Offline	It sounds like you picked up a Virus, Do you have a setup CD ? You could try a repair / recovery .. i would try a repair / recovery first, then if that doesn't work,then it is time for a FULL reinstall..

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Whats this? Sponsored Listing