Scan external USB drive

[dmontroy]

I have a laptop that is infected with malware claiming a virus infection and is asking if I want it to install the latest update. The messages are not coming from my installed anti-virus (symantec) and a scan by symantec endpoint showed no infection. I tried to get into safe mode to install and run malwarebytes but the malware has blocked getting into safemode. Pressing F8 on bootup only gives me a screen where I can select XP as my oprating system, no choice for safe mode. I also cannot get to the run window to try to launch msconfig in order to request it to boot up in safe made. Multiple Popups block the screen and the malware keeps launching new windows. It will not let task manager to launch and I cannot get to dos window.

I took the drive out of the infected laptop and connected it to an adapter so I can read the disk from a different computer to backup some files. The drive from the infected laptop shows up as my E drive while plugged into a USB port. Can Malwarebytes just scan that E drive and remove the bad files without messing up the clean computers registry that has the malware bytes program running on it or is there some file I can modify on that e drive so when I mount it back into the other laptop, it will boot up automatically in safemode without needing the F8 routine?

[Firefox]

Hello and

In a simple answer yes, but you may encounter some issues once you put it back into the laptop. We do not recommend such scans and can not be responsible for if the drive will no longer boot after you put it in the laptop.

It is best to run Malwarebytes on that drive while that drive is in the laptop and run it in normal mode. If the malware is blocking you from doing these things, it is best to have an expert take a look and help you remove the infection.

Its OK to have the drive out to backup your files, but be careful what you copy, as you may also inadvertently copy or launch the malware on the computer you are using as well.

That being said.....

Please read the following so that you can begin the cleaning process:

As we don't deal with malware removal in the General Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Forum, you need to start a topic in the Malware Removal forum so a qualified helper can help you fix any malware related problems/infections you may have.

• Please read and follow the directions here, skipping any steps you are unable to complete. Then post a NEW topic here.
  
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• One of the expert helpers there will give you one-on-one assistance when one becomes available.
  
• Please refrain from making any further changes to your computer (Install/Uninstall programs, use special fix tools, delete files, edit the registry, etc...) unless advised by a malware removal helper. Doing so can result in system changes which may hinder the attempts by a helper to clean your machine.
  

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