Exception error when doing a repair on windows

[unpro]

Hi, please help me with this problem. Recently, my computer was infected with win32.vitro. I did a boot-time AV scan with Avast and several system32 files were infected and deleted. As a result, Windows is unable to boot. So, I went to use the XP installation disc to do a repair.

 

However, the installation stops at 39 mins remaining with the following error:

 

An exception occured while trying to run 'shell32,Control_RunDLL intl.cpl,,/f:"C:\WINDOWS\System32\$winnt$.inf" /s:"D:\I386""

After which, it restarts.. into the same error. Therefore, I can't do anything, not even boot into safe mode to recover my files.

 

I hope you guys can help me resolve this error please. Thanks.

[RandyL]

Hi unpro;

 

It seems the repair is out of the question at this point. So now you need to get your data back and reinstall Windows which will format the disk first.

 

You will need to connect your drive to another computer to retrieve your data. If you have an IDE you will need to slave it to the other computer. If you have a SATA you just need to connect it. You could also purchase a USB caddy to connect it. If the two computers have different types of drives a caddy might be the easiest.

 

Once connected you can copy your files and burn them to disk or put them on a USB stick.

 

However it's extremely important to scan the drive for malware after connecting it before copying the files or you might reinfect yourself.

 

Once done put the drive back in your computer and do a full reinstall.

 

Copy your files back to it.

[unpro]

Thanks for the prompt reply.

 

I was hoping to not need a hardware solution, having no such equipment at hand nor experience of how to connect the HDDs.:(

 

I have a question, if this hard drive is connected to another computer, how do you ensure the virus/malware wouldn't just jump over to the other? I've never done it so I have no idea of how it works.

[RandyL]

Once you connect the drive to another computer all the files and folders are just files and folders. They are not part of the Windows operating system on that computer.

 

As such they can do no harm unless you execute a program from them or open a file or folder that is infected etc.

 

All you have to do is use the residents computer to scan your drive. Just connecting it will do no harm as it is not part of the Windows OS.

 

It's just like if you put a CD in the tray. Nothing can happen unless you open or execute something on the CD. Just do a scan first just in case.

[RandyL]

unpro I might also ask if your computer is a laptop or desktop?

[zinglebarb]

I have a very nice app called Hawk PE which runs off a usb stick into either WinXP live or a nix varient. I would use this to backup any data I need and then do a complete reinstall.It also has AV to scan anything suspect

[RandyL]

Hi zinglebarb;

 

Where do you get that program and how much does it cost?

 

Is it hard to use?

 

Will it work on a non-bootable drive to retrieve data?

 

I have to admit I've never heard of it so more information would be appreciated.

[Tootech]

Hi Zingle,

 

I have a very nice app called Hawk PE

Is that the same as Bart PE, only running on a flash drive rather than CD?

[zinglebarb]

Hi Zingle,

 

Is that the same as Bart PE, only running on a flash drive rather than CD?

 

No it uses Bart PE as its backbone but heavily modified.

[unpro]

The problem computer is a desktop.

 

I have Bart PE on a cd but it seems to take ages to transfer files into a usb drive, so I am pretty unwilling to backup my data(40+Gb at least) that way.

 

Well, thanks for the help. Just my luck getting such a horrible virus >.>

[zinglebarb]

The problem computer is a desktop.

 

I have Bart PE on a cd but it seems to take ages to transfer files into a usb drive, so I am pretty unwilling to backup my data(40+Gb at least) that way.

 

Well, thanks for the help. Just my luck getting such a horrible virus >.>

 

boot using bart pe then move all your data into a folder and delete all other directories. Install windows leaving file system intact once installed virus scan the whole thing if its ok you can then install all you need and move your data to whereever

[Plastic Nev]

Hi Unpro, first off, connecting a hard drive taken from one computer to another known good one is quite simple, there are plain connection adapters which are available to connect either IDE or SATA to USB, you may not need to buy a complete external drive caddy.

 

Once the drive in question is connected to the good computer, it should then show in "My computer as an external drive .

 

Providing the good computer has decent security software on it, for example Avast Antivirus, Malwarebytes, and Superantispyware. A right click on the connected drive should open a window with a list of various options including "Scan with Avast. Scan with Malwarebytes, etc. Just click on those, each one at a time, and the security software will scan the entire drive for you, also removing any nasties it finds.

 

Once that is done you can then safely transfer, or just copy all the files you want off it.

[zinglebarb]

Hi Unpro, first off, connecting a hard drive taken from one computer to another known good one is quite simple, there are plain connection adapters which are available to connect either IDE or SATA to USB, you may not need to buy a complete external drive caddy.

 

Once the drive in question is connected to the good computer, it should then show in "My computer as an external drive .

 

Providing the good computer has decent security software on it, for example Avast Antivirus, Malwarebytes, and Superantispyware. A right click on the connected drive should open a window with a list of various options including "Scan with Avast. Scan with Malwarebytes, etc. Just click on those, each one at a time, and the security software will scan the entire drive for you, also removing any nasties it finds.

 

Once that is done you can then safely transfer, or just copy all the files you want off it.

 

 

I recently dropped support for Avast , Which magazine in the uk run tests on free and paid for AVs and Avast was one of the worst performers AVG was the best of the free scans

 

The OP has Bart PE if he tries my way it could save time unless the virus has caused some mbr problem gotta be worth a go first?

[unpro]

Zinglebarb, how do you install Windows leaving filesystem intact? Because if it's repair installation using Windows installation cd, it doesn't work. The other option of installing Windows will erase it.

 

@Plastic Nev: I shall try looking for one with a usb, sounds simplier than figuring out whether my computer has a another port for IDE/SATA. Thanks.

[zinglebarb]

Zinglebarb, how do you install Windows leaving filesystem intact? Because if it's repair installation using Windows installation cd, it doesn't work. The other option of installing Windows will erase it.

 

@Plastic Nev: I shall try looking for one with a usb, sounds simplier than figuring out whether my computer has a another port for IDE/SATA. Thanks.

 

 

you simply use the options to install windows from scratch you are offered format choices you just leave it intact leaving data on the drive. This is a proper operating system disc I take it?

[unpro]

Yes, that option is called the repair installation option, which I chose and it resulted in the error as shown in the first post.

[zinglebarb]

Yes, that option is called the repair installation option, which I chose and it resulted in the error as shown in the first post.

 

 

No it isnt not on a proper operating system cd

 

when you see your operating system in a list you just ignore it go onto the next stage of the install and it will perform a complete install o your hard drive without messing with the file structure. After windows is installed and virus free you simply remove the old xp from the boot record and its as if you have installed from scratch.

[Tootech]

It has been discovered that the exact same issue is being dealt with on another forum.

 

PM sent.

 

Thread is now closed.