Won't boot after using Defender offline

friedpasta · Aug 13, 2013

I've seen some other threads on this same issue, but I apologize for being only semi-tech savvy - meaning I can follow instructions but it seems that I need to post separately about the particular issue we're having? Any advice is appreciated and I apologize for my ignorance about tech issues.

Acer laptop (Win7, 64 bit) got the Aleuron virus and we ran Defender Offline. Looks like that removed the virus. But it won't boot, keeps cycling several times to the black and white Acer screen, with a flash of blue screen in between, and then eventually launches into the start-up repair. Can't repair, then into the recovery options/restore screen. Won't restore, don't really want to try to totally reset to defaults unless must because it's my son's college computer and he has some school things saved on there he really doesn't want to lose. No Windows discs.

I had to set the BIOS for Defender to run off the USB drive, and did set it back so the hard drive boots first, but no luck.

If someone could guide me as to where to start, I'd so appreciate it. He's back to school in a few days and I really hate to have the expense of a new computer unexpectedly if this one can be fixed!

TimW · Aug 13, 2013

Please do the below so that we can boot to System Recovery Options to run a scan. There will be two options to choose from. One if you do not have your Windows 7 boot DVD and another when you have your DVD.

For x32 (x86) bit systems download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to a flash drive.
For x64 bit systems download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool x64 and save it to a flash drive.

Plug the flashdrive into the infected PC.

Option1: Enter System Recovery Options from the Advanced Boot Options:

Restart the computer.

As soon as the BIOS is loaded begin tapping the F8 key until Advanced Boot Options appears.

Use the arrow keys to select the Repair your computer menu item.

Select US as the keyboard language settings, and then click Next.

Select the operating system you want to repair, and then click Next.

Select your user account an click Next.

Option2: Enter System Recovery Options by using Windows installation disc:

Insert the installation disc.

Restart your computer.

If prompted, press any key to start Windows from the installation disc. If your computer is not configured to start from a CD or DVD, check your BIOS settings.

Click Repair your computer.

Select US as the keyboard language settings, and then click Next.

Select the operating system you want to repair, and then click Next.

Select your user account and click Next.

On the System Recovery Options menu you will get the following options:

Startup Repair
System Restore
Windows Complete PC Restore
Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
Command Prompt
Click to expand...

Select Command Prompt

In the command window type in notepad and press Enter.

The notepad opens. Under File menu select Open.

Select "Computer" and find your flash drive letter and close the notepad.

In the command window type e:\frst.exe (for x64 bit version type e:\frst64) and press Enter
Note: Replace letter e with the drive letter of your flash drive.

The tool will start to run.

When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.

Press Scan button.

It will make a log (FRST.txt) on the flash drive. Please attach this file to your next reply. (See: How to attach)

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Won't boot after using Defender offline

friedpasta Private E-2

TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

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Won't boot after using Defender offline

friedpasta Private E-2

TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

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