Nov 12, 2007

What is a boot disk?

A boot disk will allow you to boot off of a diskette instead of your hard drive. This diskette can be used to fix issues that may arise during the lifetime of your computer and/or to help load older MS-DOS games.

Tip: After you have created a boot diskette, it is highly recommended that you write-protect the diskette to prevent possible computer virus infection and to help the diskette from being erased.

Creating a MS-DOS boot disk

Note: These steps are for users who have MS-DOS installed on the computer. If you have any version of Windows follow the below steps for your version of Windows.

To create a MS-DOS diskette, begin by getting to the DOS directory by typing:

cd\dos

Once at the C:\DOS directory, skip to copying files.
Creating a Windows 3.X boot disk

Note: These steps are for users who have Windows 3.x installed on the computer.

To create a Windows 3.x diskette, from Windows Program manager, click File and then choose the option to Exit Windows, which will get you to a prompt; at the prompt, type:

cd\dos

Once at the C:\DOS directory, skip to copying files.

Creating a Windows 95 boot disk

Note: These steps are for users who have Windows 95 installed on the computer.

In Windows 95, Microsoft has created a new method of creating a bootable recovery diskette. Unfortunately, however, this diskette does not support CD-ROM support and is missing a few recommended files. To do this, click Start / Settings / Control Panel / double-click the Add Remove programs icon / click the Startup Disk and create disk.

Alternatively, to create a Windows 95 boot diskette manually from Windows, click Start / Shutdown and choose the option to restart the computer in a MS-DOS prompt. At the prompt, type:

cd\windows\command

Once at the C:\DOS directory, skip to copying files.

Creating a Windows 98 / ME boot disk

Note: These steps are for users who have Windows 98 or Windows ME installed on the computer.

An excellent feature of Windows 98/ME is its boot diskette. Using Windows to create you a Windows 98 boot diskette will give you all the needed files as well as CD-ROM support. To create a Windows 98 boot diskette, click Start / Settings / Control Panel / double-click the Add Remove programs icon / click the Startup Disk and create disk.

Alternatively, to create a Windows 98 boot diskette manually from Windows, click Start / Shutdown and choose the option to restart the computer in a MS-DOS prompt. At the prompt, type:

cd\windows\command

Once at the C:\DOS directory, skip to copying files.
Copying additional files

NOTE: When making a boot disk, if you are running "Stacker" or some kind of a DoubleSpace or drive swapper program, this could not work

Once you are in DOS and at the correct directory as instructed in the above sections by operating system, you are ready to create your bootable diskette. Insert a diskette that does not contain any information (it will be erased).

At the prompt, if you have MS-DOS 6.2 / Windows 3.x / Windows 95 / Windows 98, type:

FORMAT A:/S

If you have MS-DOS 5.0 type using double density 5.25" diskettes type:

FORMAT A: /360 /S

If you have MS- DOS 3.11 through 4.0 using double density 5.25" diskettes, type:

FORMAT A: /4 /S

Once the diskette has been formatted and the system has been transferred, you should be returned to your original directory. In this directory, type:

copy format*.* a: [PRESS ENTER]
copy fdisk*.* a: [PRESS ENTER]
copy mscdex*.* a: [PRESS ENTER]
copy sys*.* a: [PRESS ENTER]
copy edit*.* a: [PRESS ENTER]
copy qbasic*.* a: [PRESS ENTER]
(Win 95/98 users skip this line)
copy debug*.* a: [PRESS ENTER]
copy himem*.* a: [PRESS ENTER]
copy emm386*.* a: [PRESS ENTER]


If you are planning to use this diskette as a diskette to load games or you feel that you need mouse support, you will need to copy the mouse driver onto the boot diskette. The MS-DOS mouse driver is generally mouse.com / mouse.sys. Locate this file and copy it to your bootable diskette.

For CD-ROM support, visit our CD-ROM drivers page for information on loading your CD-ROM driver.

Once you have copied the above files, create an autoexec.bat and a config.sys. Get to the floppy drive by typing A:, once at the floppy drive, type:

copy con autoexec.bat [PRESS ENTER]
@echo off [PRESS ENTER]
LH A:\MSCDEX.EXE /D:CDROM [PRESS ENTER]
(this line is used for your CD-ROM drive).
LH A:\MOUSE.* [PRESS ENTER]
(skip line if you did not copy mouse file, the * is either sys / com).

Press and hold CTRL + Z - this should return ^Z. Once this is displayed, press enter to copy the file.

copy con config.sys [PRESS ENTER]
device=a:\himem.sys
dos=high,umb
device=a:\emm386.exe noems
files=30
buffers=20
devicehigh=a:\oakcdrom.sys /d:CDROM
(this line is used for your CD-ROM drive).

Press and hold CTRL + Z - this should return ^Z. Once this is displayed, press enter to copy the file.

Congratulations, after completing the above steps you should now have a bootable floppy diskette.

Creating a Windows NT boot disk

To create a boot diskette you must have access to the i386 directory located on your Windows NT CD or possibly your Hard disk drive.

Format the floppy diskette you wish to make a bootable Windows NT boot disk using the Windows NT machine.

Copy boot.ini, ntdetect.com and ntldr to the floppy diskette just formatted.

If you are using any SCSI devices that you need access to, you will also need to load these drivers onto the diskette.

Creating a Windows 2000 boot disk

To create a Windows 2000 Professional bootable diskette you will need four 1.44MB diskettes and the Windows 2000 Professional CD.

Click Start / Run / browse to the CD-ROM drive.
Open the "BOOTDISK" folder and double-click makeboot.exe and click ok to launch the program to create the diskette.

Users can also easily create an Emergency Repair Disk by clicking Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and opening Backup. From the Backup window, click the button for Emergency Repair Disk and follow each of the steps.

Creating a Windows XP boot disk

Note: The Microsoft Windows XP CD is a bootable CD and in many cases you should not need a bootable floppy diskette. Booting from the Windows XP CD will allow you to not only install/re-install Windows XP but will also allow you to troubleshoot it.

Create MS-DOS bootable diskette

When formatting a floppy diskette, users have the option of creating a MS-DOS startup disk, follow the below steps to do this.

1. Place diskette in the computer.

2. Open My Computer, right click the A: drive and click Format.

3. In the Format window, check Create an MS-DOS startup disk.

4. Click Start

Create Windows XP Setup diskettes

Microsoft is beginning to phase out bootable floppy diskettes in favor of bootable CD discs and has not included a method of easily creating a bootable floppy diskette in Windows XP or from the CD. However, Microsoft has downloads available for users who still need to create bootable diskettes to install (not upgrade) Windows XP. These downloads can be found through the Microsoft download center.

Additional help and information about troubleshooting bootable CDs not booting is found on document CH000217.
How to use a boot diskette

Once the bootable diskette has been successfully created, following the below steps you will be able to boot from the diskette.
  1. Place the diskette into write-protect mode (in case a virus is on the computer, this will not allow the virus to transfer itself onto the diskette).
  2. Insert the diskette into the computer and reset or turn on the computer to begin the boot process.
  3. As the computer is booting, answer the questions prompted (if any).
  4. Once at the A:\> take the appropriate actions depending upon the situation of the computer.
  5. If you are unfamiliar with MS-DOS we recommend you see our MS-DOS page.

The autorun feature enables CDs to play automatically when inserted in the drive. This is the same feature that enabled the now infamous Sony rootkit to install. Removable and thumb drives use the same autorun feature to load files when the drives are plugged into the USB port. Malware relies on this autorun feature to spread from thumb drive to PC. Disable the autorun feature to prevent malware from spreading. And who knows, it may just stop the next rootkit-enabled CD.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 2 minutes

Here's How:

  1. If you use XP Pro, follow steps 1 through 8 only. XP Home users begin at step 9.
  2. Click Start and then click Run.
  3. Type gpedit.msc and click OK.
  4. The Group Policy window will open. In the left pane, double-click Administrative Templates.
  5. In the right pane, double-click System.
  6. Scroll down the list and double-click Turn Off Autoplay.
  7. In the Turn Off Autoplay Properties window, select Enabled. From the dropdown next to Turn Off Autoplay on, select All drives and then click OK.
  8. Exit Group Policy by selecting File, then choosing Exit from the menu.
  9. XP Home users will need to make the changes by editing the registry directly. To begin, click Start and then click Run.
  10. Type regedit and click OK. The Registry Editor window will open.
  11. In the left pane, navigate to:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER
    Software
    Microsoft
    Windows
    CurrentVersion
    Policies
    Explorer.
    (Note: For help navigating the registry, see the Windows Basics System Registry tutorial).
  12. With Explorer highlighted, in the right-pane right click the value NoDriveTypeAutoRun and select Modify from the drop down menu. The base value will be set to Hexadecimal. If not, select Hexadecimal.
  13. Type 91 and click OK.
  14. Exit Registry Editor by selecting File, then choosing Exit from the menu.
  15. You will now need to reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.

What is a boot sector?
All disks and hard drives are divided into small sectors. The first sector is called the boot sector and contains the Master Boot Record (MBR). The MBR contains the information concerning the location of partitions on the drive and reading of the bootable operating system partition. During the bootup sequence on a DOS-based PC, the BIOS searches for certain system files, IO.SYS and MS-DOS.SYS. When those files have been located, the BIOS then searches for the first sector on that disk or drive and loads the needed Master Boot Record information into memory. The BIOS passes control to a program in the MBR which in turn loads IO.SYS. This latter file is responsible for loading the remainder of the operating system.

What is a boot sector virus?
A boot sector virus is one that infects the first sector, i.e.

The boot sector, of a floppy disk or hard drive. Boot sector viruses can also infect the MBR. The first PC virus in the wild was Brain, a boot sector virus that exhibited stealth techniques to avoid detection. Brain also changed the volume label of the disk drive.

How to avoid boot sector viruses.
Commonly, infected floppies and subsequent boot sector infections result from "shared" diskettes and pirated software applications. It is relatively easy to avoid boot sector viruses. Most are spread when users inadvertently leave floppy disks in the drive - which happen to be infected with a boot sector virus. The next time they boot up their PC, the virus infects the local drive. Most systems allow users to change the boot sequence so that the system always attempts to boot first from the local hard drive (C:\) or CD-ROM drive.

Disinfecting boot sector viruses.
Boot sector repair is best accomplished by the use of antivirus software. Because some boot sector viruses encrypt the MBR, improper removal can result in a drive that is inaccessible. However, if you are certain the virus has only affected the boot sector and is not an encrypting virus, the DOS SYS command can be used to restore the first sector. Additionally, the DOS LABEL command can be used to restore a damaged volume label and FDISK /MBR will replace the MBR. None of these methods is recommended, however. Antivirus software remains the best tool for cleanly and accuarately removing boot sector viruses with minimal threat to data and files.

Creating a system disk.
When disinfecting a boot sector virus, the system should always be booted from a known clean system disk. On a DOS-based PC, a bootable system disk can be created on a clean system running the exact same version of DOS as the infected PC. From a DOS prompt, type:

SYS C:\ A:\

And press enter. This will copy the system files from the local hard drive (C:\) to the floppy drive (A:\).

If the disk has not been formatted, the use of FORMAT /S will format the disk and transfer the necessary system files. On Windows 3.1x systems, the disk should be created as described above for DOS-based PC's. On Windows 95/98/NT systems, click Start Settings Control Panel Add/Remove Programs and choose the Startup Disk tab. Then click on "Create Disk". Windows 2000 users should insert the Windows 2000 CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive, click Start Run and type the name of the drive followed by bootdisk\makeboot a: and then click OK. For example:

d:\bootdisk\makeboot a:

Follow the screen prompts to finish creating the bootable system disk. In all cases, after the creation of the bootable system disk, the disk should be write protected to avoid infection.

Getting a virus on your system is frustrating to say the least, and can be hazardous to the health of your computer. Indeed, today's malicious software can even steal your identity and wreck your hard-earned credit rating. To help fight back, here's a list of free tools, tips, and tricks to get rid of viruses and keep them from getting back on your system.

Free Virus Removal Tools

Sure the antivirus vendors want to make money, but if you ever get the chance to meet one of their virus researchers, you'll find their real motivation is to protect users. As corny as that may sound, it's true. That's why when stubborn or fast-spreading infectors are discovered, antivirus vendors release special tools to remove the malware - and give the tools away free. It's no substitute for installed antivirus software, but if you're already infected and in a pinch, it's the next best thing to, well, installed antivirus software.

  • Create a Free F-Prot Rescue CD - FRISK Software - one of the oldest and most respected antivirus companies (and the secret sauce hidden in a lot of antivirus products being sold under other names)- offers their F-Prot for DOS scanner free for personal use. It's ideal for making a rescue CD so you can scan the system from a clean boot.
  • McAfee AVERT Stinger - McAfee AVERT Labs offers a handy utility to run in Windows that cleans some of the more common malware.
  • Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool - Microsoft offers a free tool to remove prevalent software active on the system. The tool is offered via Automatic Updates, Windows Updates, and Microsoft Updates, or it can be manually downloaded using the provided link.
  • Symantec Virus Removal Tools - Antivirus vendor Symantec offers a wide range of free cleaning tools for individual malware removal.
  • F-Secure Virus Removal Tools - Another good choice for individual malware removal are these free tools from F-Secure.
  • For a second opinion scan or a not-so-stubborn infector, try one of the Top Online Scanners

Free Virus Repair and Prevention Tips

  • How to Repair a Boot Sector Virus - Though boot sector viruses are rare in the U.S. and most European countries, they are still prevalent in other parts of the world.
  • How to Make an Antivirus Rescue CD - In case you missed it above, steps for creating an F-Prot CD.
  • Eight Ways to Stop Virus Infection - Prevention. Prevention. Prevention. These are the essential steps.
  • How to Make Sure Your Antivirus is Working - Viruses, worms, and trojans often disable your antivirus software when they infect your system. This prevents the antivirus software from being updated and detecting the presence of the malware. Here's how to check to ensure it's working.
  • How to Avoid Macro Viruses - From the SANS Institute, tips on avoiding macro viruses.
  • How To Prevent Email Worms - Security configuration changes you need to make to your favorite email client software.
  • IM Safety Tips - In some crowds, instant messaging (IM) is more popular than email. But IM carries its own set of risks. These tips will help reduce the risk.

Printing a Test Page

It's quite simple. Go to Start, Control Panel, Printers and Other Hardware and choose Printers and Faxes. Once there, you will see a list of all the printers you have installed on your computer. More than likely, you will only have one or two, but click on the one you want to test so that it is highlighted. Then right click and choose Properties. The Properties box for your printer will then come up. Under the General tab, look toward the bottom of the box and you'll see a Print Test Page button. Click on that and your printer will automatically print a page out for you. Don't forget to turn your printer on before you start this though or obviously, nothing will happen.



That was pretty easy, wasn't it?! Now you can test your printer(s) whenever you feel the need.

Note: Do keep in mind that all printers are different, but every printer should have this feature offered within its software. If you have trouble finding it, refer to your printer's manual.

As we all know, in the MS Office programs, there is a list of recently used files at the bottom of the File menu.

Most people access these with their mouse, which is not a bad way to do it. That method works well, but did you know you can accomplish the same task with just a few keys?

No?

Well, you sure can! So, let's move on to the "how" part, shall we?

First, hit Alt + F (that will activate the File menu or Office button in the 2007 version).

Next, press the number listed beside the file name in the list of recently used files (either at the bottom of the file menu or the right side of the Office Button menu).

Just like magic, the file will open and you'll be ready to go.

Okay, well, maybe it's not magic, but it sure can be a time saver!

Cleaning Your Computer: 12 Simple Tips

A stitch in time saves nine! Believe it or not, but this adage works brilliantly for your computer too. Not only will keeping your computer clean help you save on maintenance cost, but it will also keep you stress free so that you can focus on your work and nothing else! So, why is cleaning your computer so important? Well, basically because dust and debris collect in your system, causing your computer to heat up, which can eventually lead to hardware failure.

Here are a few simple tips that will keep you in the clear. Read on!
  1. To clean your computer case, first unplug your system power from the electrical outlet. Remove all the cables and connectors from the back side of your computer. The computer will require the fans to be blown out as well. Some PCs have multiple fans: one on the processor and one or two on the power supply. Make sure you clean them all. The best thing to use is probably compressed air. Just blow that air all around the hardware components, while keeping the nozzle at least four to five inches away from the main board components.
  2. Another good alternative to compressed air is to use a portable battery powered vacuum that can effectively remove the dust, dirt and hair from the motherboard and prevent it from getting trapped within the case. However, do not use a standard electricity powered vacuum, as it can cause a lot of static electricity that can damage your computer. When using the vacuum, it is vital that you stay a couple inches away from the motherboard and all the other components to help prevent contact, as well as, to help prevent anything from being sucked into the vacuum. Ensure that you do not remove any small components with the vacuum, such as jumpers.
  3. To clean your keyboard, pick up a can of compressed air at your local office supply store. In case you're not sure, compressed air is a handy invention that forces air from a can out through a long thin straw. You can use it to clean out dust and debris on your keyboard, without having to take the whole thing apart. Be careful not to blow dust into your hard drive though, as that may cause damage to your machine. It's a good idea to turn the keyboard upside down and give it a few good shakes before you use it again. If you're brave, you can pop off the keys and soak them in a solution of ammonia and water, but be careful, because not all the keys come off easily. If you feel resistance, stop!
  4. If you feel the need to test fate, you can pull out the memory and other cards from your computer and gently rub a pencil eraser on the contacts before putting them back in. However, don't pull any cards out unless you're having problems reaching certain areas.
  5. Remember, never open a CRT monitor. Even when it's unplugged, they retain enough current to seriously harm you.
  6. When cleaning the inside of your computer (motherboard, etc.), make sure your computer is off. Also, never place your computer on the ground. You should always use a computer table or shelf while you're cleaning.
  7. Only use an air duster/canned air to remove dust from your computer's components. It's best to do it outside as well so that it doesn’t end up all over your house!
  8. When cleaning your monitor, make sure you do so with a clean rag and only use cleaning agents designed for electronics.
  9. When you're finished with the inside, use a lightly dampened cloth or paper towel to wipe off the outside of your computer case. Gently wipe down the casing using Q-Tips to clean small places like vent holes and disk drive openings.
  10. Never clean the inside computer components or other circuit boards with a damp or wet cloth.
  11. Wipe down the outside of your mouse with a slightly damp cloth. Next, unscrew the ring from the bottom of your mouse and remove the ball. Dust off the ball with a soft cloth and look inside the cavity of your mouse. There will probably be some dust clinging to the rollers that move the ball and you can just scrape that out with a Q-Tip. When you're finished, replace the ball and ring. Optical mice will require little maintenance, but ball mice can be disassembled. Clean the ball itself, as well as, the X and Y axis rollers.
  12. To keep your computer looking clean longer, purchase an inexpensive plastic covering for your equipment!

If you follow all of these guidelines, your computer and all of its equipment will shine like new!

Nov 5, 2007

Very simple way is to display the file extension through the Folder Options menu. Done. Does not need a headache to install an anti-dizziness and mengupdatenya each day. In this way, my computer is never wrong brontok virus, although many data exchange occurs with the outside world.

Folder Options menu can be accessed through the Control Panel or via Windows Explorer on the Tools menu-> Folder Options. After the Folder Options window opens select the View tab and uncheck the checkbox option Hide extensions for known file types.

Windows has to do with the fatal error extension by default.

Folder Options menu:


Showing Extensions:

Most of the local worm circulating in Indonesia in action with the folder / file. To create the folder / files that are hidden, there are several ways, which may already know that a lot. But, no one in this blog I write back. As for how to bring back the folder / file is missing is as follows:

1. How common is to use the command attrib [drive:] [path] *.*-h-r-s / s / d

in DOS system.

For example, attrib D: / document / *.*-h-r-s / s / d if the files and folders that appear in direktory D: / document

2. Praktisnya way, use the menu Plugins ANSAV-Hidden Revealer or Gucup Antivirus tools in the menu-option-show hidden folder selection

3. Alternatively, can use the registry for. Copy the text below into notepad, then save with the name MunculFolder.reg (file type all files).

REGEDIT4

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Drive \ shell \ MunculFolder]
@ = "Munculkan Folders and Files"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Drive \ shell \ MunculFolder \ Command]
@ = "Attrib-h-r-s *.* / s / d"
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Directory \ shell \ MunculFolder]
@ = "Munculkan Folders and Files"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Directory \ shell \ MunculFolder \ Command]
@ = "Attrib-h-r-s *.* / s / d"

Then double-click the file. After changing registry settings, then you live right-click the drive / folder to display the folder / file on the drive / folder tersebut.Semoga useful.

Virus problems often make us annoyed so we are even people who protek matter over which files will go into our computer, especially if you have friends who want to install flashdisknya wahh we are really confused with the antivirus program to prepare a reliable and certainly we often say "" heii flashdisknya please scan in the past "." In fact, the virus that gampang2 difficult, the main computer which we used the Benar2 clean of viruses, we install a new antivirus program is powerful aman2 will aja, but if we do not have computer programs antivirusnya how antivirus dinstall if we fell ill computer virus, it's useless even antivirus bisa2 itself attacked by the virus. some virus that we often hear that brontok and trojan menyembuyikan that most of the file or folder by it fell ill. problem if da page we should do is install aja NOD32 antivirus which I most powerful antivirus soalnya virus2 not Benar2 so that the virus is still in the form of a script that could have been detected, or we use norton antivirus 2005 is also good.

kompt after we installed the set in the option menu, for files that do not directly terdetek virus terdelete but only clean aja. okee now we start the next step. try to check, for example flash that we have now been scanned, right click select properties see how mega remaining, for example in case we have full flash but we see our flash content if we click the empty file does not have any, then be sure that all contents from the flash that we have been hidden by the virus. nah bsekarang to try to overcome the page teman2 open comman promt on accesories such as after the typing below:

attrib-h-s-r e: \ *.* / s / d

description:
-h is to unhide, e: \ *.* that location that will drive us all munculkan content if we want to localdisk Until then just type in d: \ *.*, then try to type dir and press enter if the file appears a lot of it means all the flash we have already shown. Try congratulations.

 

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