| Partial Boot problems & Virus Checking |
This document includes sequential guidelines to assist the layman in troubleshooting an inoperable Personal Computer (PC).
Computer Partial Boot Errors and Virus Checking are covered on this page.
For a complete listing of topics covered, see Contents.
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| Partial Boot Errors |
Does the Operating System start? If it does, but not completely, it may need to be reinstalled.
If the Operating System does not start, the Hard Disk Drive may have a problem. This symptom is sometimes accompanied by some weird noises eminating from within.
One way to verify this is to reboot the system from an Emergency Boot Disk or from a bootable Floppy Diskette. A bootable Diskette created by an anti-virus program should load automatically and provide error messages if the hard drive boot sector is having problems.
With other bootable startup diskettes, a "chkdsk c:" or "scandisk c:" command may indicate the problem.
Further troubleshooting beyond this point could result in the loss of data, if it isn't already gone. If you feel comfortable performing these steps, refer to the sections relating to the hard drive under Building Your Own PC. |
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| Virus Checking |
An ounce of prevention...
It is far more effective to prevent a virus than to suffer its consequences, then try to remove them.
A Virus could wipe out the entire contents of your computer, causing you to lose all of your valuable information.
A Virus can be spread via removable media (floppy diskettes, CD's, or DVD's),
when downloading a file, and via email attachments.
There are many software programs that can protect your computer from a deadly virus.
They can scan a diskette on demand or automatically, scan a specific file before reading it,
or scan your PC hard drive each time you restart your PC.
New Viruses are disseminated among the public quite regularly.
So, whatever method of protection is chosen, should also be updated regularly.
The recommended interval is monthly.
[
Top 10 Known Viruses | Recent Advisories | Virus Name Search ]
E-MAIL PRECAUTIONS
NEVER open an attachment if you're not sure who the sender is or what type of file it may be.
Specifically, never open attachments with ".vbs" extensions unless you are familiar with this type of file and have verified the source.
Some are very innovative in naming a file "ReadMe.txt.vbs"
E-MAIL HOAXES
If you receive an email that tells about a virus and it is not from an Anti-Virus Program Provider,
or does not link to the source, chances are very likely that it is a Chain Letter Hoax.
- Verify the source. If it is from a reliable source, there is likely a link to an Anti-Virus program update
or to a document that explains how to remove the virus.
- If you are unsure, check Hoax Busters listing of Hoaxes and search the site for the Subject Line in the email you received.
To make double sure, check this site also.
ONLINE VIRUS TESTING
To test your PC for a virus, click here
( or here ).
The following resources can also provide virus protection or removal depending on your needs.
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