Copying files in dos

[Lakeland]

I am trying to remove the UPS virus from a friends laptop with not much luck and after reading info from the web I think the safest option is to do a format to make sure the os is clean.

The problem is windows wont load because the trojan has edited explorer.exe so when windows loads I get the desktop but no taskbar or icons and no access to task manager.

Is it possible to copy files from the documents folder on the hard drive to a usb pen whilst in DOS?

My only other alternative is to install linux and take the files that way but it is a bit of a hassle to install and remove if there is an easier way?

 

[rpstewart]

Are you talking proper DOS or some form of command prompt that can access USB devices?

In theory it's entirely possible, use xcopy rather than normal copy to do sub-directories as well.

 

[Lakeland]

Thanks for the reply rpstewart. I am a complete loser when it comes to DOS so if im honest I don't really know. I can't get into windows at all not even through safe mode so I assumed the only other option was via DOS ie

C:\ windows\documents
copy all > E:

That is how I imagined it "may" be possible

 

[frying_pan_cat]

Would it not be quicker to boot to a live cd and copy files that way?

 

[Lakeland]

Would it not be quicker to boot to a live cd and copy files that way?

I didn't realise such a thing existed! I was already downloading ubuntu so ill give it a go now, thank you

 

[Raumarik]

Knoppix is a good live CD if you needed another option.

 

[Pulse]

Well if you still plan to go the dos route, here is some helpful info on XCOPY

 

[whitecrook]

open cmd prompt
xcopy "c:\documents and settings\*" e:\ /s /e /r /v /k /f /c /h

should do it where "c:\documents and settings\*" is this source (note the *) and e:\ is your usb key.


/S Copies directories and subdirectories except empty ones.
/E Copies directories and subdirectories, including empty ones.
/R Overwrites read-only files.
/V Verifies each new file.
/K Copies attributes. Normal Xcopy will reset read-only attributes.
/F Displays full source and destination file names while copying.
/C Continues copying even if errors occur.
/H Copies hidden and system files also.



Remember the command as SERVe KFC Hot

 

[Dutchman]

Try live cd called GParted or Parted magic, main use really is partitioning hdd's but it boots to a very small ram based linux OS, it has a windows type gui and you will be able to see usb drive and the local drive and using their 'windows explorer' you can easily find the files you are looking for and copy it.
http://gparted.sourceforge.net/download.php

 

[Lee]

Live Linux CD is the way to go. You could even use UNetBootIn to create a bootable Linux OS on your USB stick.

 

[golwg]

Also, you could always remove HD from the laptop, connect it to your pc and format it that way!