unfucking a computer, or ask lazy infected lj

[rmd]

So, I have a family member who got what's either a valid antivirus warning or a fake antivirus warning. I suggested shutting down the computer until I can get over there to deal with it.

What's the current set of good solutions for unfucking a computer? I'd like to be able to go over there with a usb drive full of antivirus/antispyware programs in case I need them.

ETA: It's a windows box. I forget what version. Vista, maybe? Might still be XP.

Comments

[also-huey.livejournal.com]

If the BIOS supports boot-to-CD/DVD, and you have a spare Windows license lying around, the best answer is to cook up a UBCD, which is a windows install that runs from the disc and doesn't touch the hard drive at all until you tell it to. You can even script it so it finds the network, pulls fresh AV signatures down, and then scans the HD with as many different tools as you like.

Whether this is more or less pain-in-the-ass than 'nuke it to bare metal' isn't a question I can answer for you.