Windows Vista question.

Iceman · 4 Mar 2010 at 20:06

Hi all i have been given a laptop to look at.
Its full of virus's and i can't seem to get any anti virus software installed for some reason.
What i intend to do is, Completely format the laptops hard drive and re install windows.
The problem i have is the sticker underneath the laptop with the serial key on has, well sort of rubbed off.
Is there anyway within windows i can get the key?
If i have this i can then re install windows and use this key.
Anotherr option is someway of getting rid of the virus's if someone has any idea's??

Thanks

Brian Stuart · 4 Mar 2010 at 20:14

Try this link. The programmes allows to retrieve the product key from within windows.
Have you tried booting into safe mode and using a product such as malwarebytes?

Iceman · 4 Mar 2010 at 20:51

I haven't really tried anything except loading Avg and Avast.
Neither would install correctly and Avast would not run once it sort of installed.
Maybe worth trying something first to save the guys stuff on there.

eXor · 5 Mar 2010 at 08:13

Try the Avira Rescue CD. Set BIOS to boot from CD and nothing nasty on the hard drive will have control.

You can then perform an extensive scan.

Sounds like it's beyond help, though. Better to save what you can ( documents, pictures ) and start afresh.

The owner should secure it properly this time. Take an image of the fresh install.

Iceman · 5 Mar 2010 at 21:43

Well it looks like the malwarebytes worked well.
Its clered 823 infected objects, It now has Avg version 9 running and all seems fine.
Lets hope he keeps off thse dodgy websites in future lol.

Thanks for your help guys.

SiriusB · 5 Mar 2010 at 21:53

Get rid of AVG and put Microsoft Security Essentials on there. Has a good reputation and is the prefered free choice for many these days. I have never liked AVG. Ever.

Either way, demand hefty payment the next time that computer ends up so infested. 823?? OK a lot of those were probably tracking cookies and they like, but still. That's incredible considering how much media attention malware and viruses gets lately.