Resolved Windows XP will not load, constant reboot loop

I think I'm in the right place. My husband downloaded MS Essentials because our AVG9 stopped working. A pop up window appeared and said that he needed to update the security on the computer because it found 40 something viruses. He unknowingly clicked on it and downloaded what I am going to assume was a trojan. I have read about this same one all over the web. It was called something to the effect of "Personal Security" and for it to take care of any of the so called viruses, you had to pay them $60. Luckily, my husband was smart enought not to do that, but unfortunately the damage was already done. After several scans, malware removal programs, etc. our computer is now in a complete rebooting mode. I am not able to boot in any mode, safe or otherwise. I was thinking that I should just try and reload Windows XP or do the repair. I do not want to lose any data on my hard drive (pics, music, etc.). I don't know what else to do or if it will fix my problem. Also, when I have tried to boot into safe mode, it lists multi () partition something. I would have more info on that but it goes too fast. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

You'll probably need to perform a Repair Install. That method will not delete any of your personal files or installed programs.

If that restores the system to bootability, I would recommend getting the personal data backed up to separate media and then doing a clean install. If you are heavily infested with malware and virii, that's the best way to escape it.

Other than a Repair Install, you could remove the HD and install it as a slave in a working computer and get your data off it that way. Then put it back and do a clean install.

You might possibly be able to fix the problem without doing a Repair Install, but that requires a much higher level of experience. Eg, You could burn a boot CD for XP that will allow you to bypass the HD bootloader files and substitute those from the boot CD. Often that works. If you're willing to go to the trouble of burning a CD for that purpose, let me know and I'll provide a link for the download.

 

Thanks, I'll try that and let everyone know if it works!

 

Depending on what SP you have installed and what SP level your XP setup CD contains, you may have to either make or borrow a slipstreamed CD.

Nothing is easy anymore.

Good luck! I'll check back for your report.

 

ok, it worked. I'm still trying to get rid of malware and trojans. no viruses found so far. thanks for the advice. it really helped.

 

Good to know but since malware was involved...

Please read this and post requested logs in the Malware and virus removal board.

Be aware that only Malware analysts will advise and they are extremly busy at the moment. Your post will be taken on a first come first served basis and it may take a few days before you receive a reply.

It's always best to have your system cleaned by the experts

 

Thank You

Thanks, I still need some help so I will do that.