Linux to the Rescue (Windows Virus Removal)

This topic is fresh in my mind right now, as I'm trying to clean up a Windows PC for a friend. So far I've removed 75 bad things. Anyways the tools I'm using right now are all Linux Live CDs from antivirus companies.

BitDefender Live CD: http://download.bitdefender.com/rescue_cd/
Comes in at about 260MB. Knoppix based with the ability to update online. Fluxbox window manager with a good base of linux command line tools and firefox so you can look things up. This was the first one I ran and it found the 75 badies. Don't know if it checks the MBR. Its not mentioned where I can see.

Kaspersky Live CD: http://devbuilds.kaspersky-labs.com/devbuilds/RescueDisk/
Comes in a 119MB. No real extras to help you bide the time. Can update from the internet. It found 2 more items. Added bonus to this one was it can check inside archives(zip and such). Checks the MBR too.

F-Secure Rescue CD: http://www.f-secure.com/en_EMEA/security/security-lab/tools-and-services/rescue-cd/
Also 119MB. Does online updates. This is a character only scanner. Also checks MBR. Was the fastest of the 3. It found 3 more troublemakers.


Unfortunately still can't log into Windows. I'm going to use a live cd to burn her pics to cd and call it good. I figured that a reinstall would be required to truly fix it anyway.

*edited to add the final results*

LOL! this should be posted on a "windows" forum...

LOL true welan, but sometimes we have to save our ill fated Windows using friends from themselves.

My wife has been complaining more and more about how slow her laptop (winxp) is running. I may have to take a look at these. Thanks for posting them. I'd just re-install xp, but she's not so good at backing up (or even being able to find so I can back it up), her important stuff. Yes, she has Suse installed, but won't use it.