I can't boot, how do I scan?

[ginakra]

Hi all,

My question is how do I run Malwarebytes if I can't boot, but I have to put in some back story to see if anyone can help.

I have a win7 64bit laptop. That morning, the pc was fine. The day before, I had to turn off my Avast free and User Account Controls to install a trusted software. I forgot to turn back on UAC, and possibly the Avast too, leaving my computer wide the hell open. The next day, I did a lot to my pc before the problems started. I downloaded a couple of "video downloaders" (yes, I know), installed a couple of retail programs, and then my electric went out while I was in the shower. I didn't get to my pc until the power saving mode had put it into sleep mode. When I brought it out, it was a mess.

So I have have three possiblilites: a software issue, a virus/malware issue, or a hardware issue due to the electric outage. I am here because of something that happened when I was trying to figure out the problem and starting with possible virus. I got my computer to boot, but it ran really slow until I updated Malwarebytes free, and when it offered to let me try the Pro and I enabled it, suddenly my system ran fine. I backed up some data, ran SuperAntispyware, which found only tracking cookies, and decided I would boot into safe mode to run Malwarebytes due to that being recommended. Well, that was a mistake, because now I cannot even boot into safe mode, normal mode, etc. I just have a boot loop.

So how can I run Malwarebytes if I cannot boot?

I have run Avira Rescue CD, and AVG Rescue CD to scan the pc, but they really found nothing but false positives. I'm starting to wonder if I have a virus/malware at all, but it was weird that live protection from Malwarebytes Pro turned it around instantly.

Help?

Thanks

[daledoc1]

Hello and welcome, ginkara:

Well, it sounds like a tough situation & I'm neither qualified nor authorized to determine whether this is due to hardware, software or infection.

In cases like this, where infection is a possibility, we generally suggest that you start in the malware removal section first.

That's because some rootkits can cause some serious OS damage, & they have to be cleaned before any further work can be done.

(BTW, FWIW Safe Mode scanning with MBAM is not generally recommended. If it will not run in Normal Mode, there are other tools, such as Chameleon, that may allow it to run on an infected machine. But that's water under the bridge now. )

In any event, we can't work on this sort of problem in this particular sub-section.

So, please read below to get started.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE EXPERT HELP WITH MALWARE REMOVAL, PLEASE CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING 3 OPTIONS:

OPTION 1: Free, one-on-one, expert assistance in the Malware Removal Forum.

OPTION 2: For licensed users of MBAM PRO, there is free, one-on-one, expert assistance from the MBAM support helpdesk.

OPTION 3: Fee-based, one-on-one, expert assistance from Premium Support.

OPTION 1:

• Please print out, read and carefully follow the instructions in the "I'm Infected - What Do I Do Now?" article.
  
• -->If the infection has so crippled the computer that you cannot complete some or all of the steps, then just do the best you can and start a new topic as described below anyway, describing your computer problem.
  
• Then please start a new post in the Malware Removal Forum.
  
• An authorized, trained malware expert will provide free, one-on-one assistance as soon as one becomes available.
  
• When starting your new post, please note the following:
  
• Please do NOT post in a topic started by someone else, even if their problem sounds similar.
  
• Please COPY/PASTE the requested logs directly into your post, rather than attaching them.
  
• Under options, please be sure to select "track this topic" and "immediate email notification", so you'll know when a helper responds.
  
• Please be patient - it may be 48 hours or more before a helper can assist you, especially when the forum is very busy.
  
• Please do NOT "bump" your topic or reply back to it for at least 48 hours.
  
• Doing so may cause your topic to be overlooked, as it will appear that you are already being helped.
  

OPTION 2:

If you are a paid user of MBAM PRO and would like support via the helpdesk, please contact them here.

OPTION 3:

If you prefer the Malwarebytes Premium Services (comprehensive solutions to all your computer support needs – from installation and set-up to troubleshooting and tune-ups), please go to the Premium Support site here.

Please be patient – someone will assist you as soon as possible.

Thank you very much,

daledoc1

[ginakra]

Thank you Will be posting in the forum. I will become a paying user of Pro, but I don't want to use any credit card numbers right now, in case of infection. I appreciate the direction