I'm looking for recommendations on bootable antivirus ISO images due to a potential virus threat on several client systems. A customer was alerted by their ISP about possible infection, and I need to run scans to check for anything suspicious, like rootkits. Back in the WinXP era, these tools were straightforward, but I'm finding it hard to locate reliable options now. It seems like bootable images from providers like ESET or Dr.Web aren't as common anymore. I've settled on using a Ventoy stick with some images for the time being, but I'm curious about what others would recommend or what current tools are useful for scenarios like this one.
6 Answers
For personal PCs, I often use Kaspersky Rescue Disk on badly infected systems. I find it works well in tandem with AdwCleaner for removing stubborn issues. I’m not a Windows expert, but for non-critical machines, it’s been a good fallback plan for me.
Just Google it! There are plenty of recent posts about this. You might find some useful insights.
I actually spent a solid four hours searching and didn't find anything current. Maybe I need to refine my queries!
A throwback to the TRON disk! It's still around, and you can find it on GitHub. Definitely worth experimenting with on a spare device just for the nostalgia factor!
Haha, I can't resist trying it out! The moment I read about TRON, the soundtrack came rushing back to me. Thanks for the tip!
I've had luck with Windows Defender offline from a USB stick, but if the infection is serious, I’d personally recommend just wiping the drive and reinstalling everything. Sometimes it’s just easier and safer to start fresh instead of dealing with potential hidden malware.
Good call! When you’re not sure about the integrity of a machine, ‘nuke and pave’ is a solid strategy.
If you're looking for something budget-friendly and you speak German, check out c't Desinfec't. I've had great experiences with it, but their support can be a bit lacking. Don't forget to look for similar products in other languages; many magazines and tech outlets offer these tools.
I actually tried Desinfec't! It was surprising to find that it was from c't. The first time I used it, I got stuck at the login prompt, though. Going to give it another shot in a lab setup this time around.
I found the downloadable version online! You have to register for a key, which isn’t too much hassle. Definitely worth trying!
Many security tools have moved away from bootable ISOs. Now, the trend is to conduct scans from within Windows using second-opinion software like ESET Online Scanner or Dr.Web. If you still want a boot disc, check out the Free Tools section on the antivirus wiki for some options, though they’re fewer nowadays.
That makes sense. I’ve noticed that too—most malware threats these days are tackled directly from the OS. BitLocker can complicate things if you want to boot from a USB, right? Maybe I should just focus on scanning within Windows.
Exactly! I can troubleshoot NixOS just fine, but when I’m on a Windows machine, I feel out of my depth. Kaspersky is definitely worth a shot!