Freedog Solutions

An infected computer can NEVER be returned to a pristine state. One can spend hours running scans and hunting for nasties and never get them all. Your best option is to backup your data and run the recovery process so you start with a clean slate. However, this approach is normally the last step, not the first.

If you are already infected, your first step is to make backups of all your data. Copy everything to CD or DVD, to an external hard drive, use an online backup service such as Mozy.com, or copy everything to a networked computer. Whatever your route, your data is your first priority.

Once your data is secure, time to throw a bevy of tools at the infection. I recommend a structured and targeted approach. Start with a good virus scanner. There are many options, but I have found that AVG Anti-Virus (free version available) to be an excellent starting point.

Next, install and run scans with some anti-spyware utilities. Out of the literally hundreds of options, I have had good luck with a relative few. As a bonus, these tools are also free. They are Spybot Search & Destroy and Microsoft's Windows Defender. Download, install, and run thorough scans with both of these software packages. Remember to reboot your computer every step of the way.

The next steps use software that transgresses into the voodoo realm. I have saved many computers using HijackThis, Startup Control Panel and CCleaner - but a word to the wise - each of these can completely destroy your computer. You have backups...right?

It should be noted that many spyware removers are actually just spyware in disguise. So how do you know which ones to use? There is no easy way. When I learn of new utilities, I invest some time Googling everything I can about that software before I click or load anything.

At this point, it is very likely that several hours of your time have been expended and the results may or may not be satisfactory. This is why we generally recommend a complete restore of your computer and then an immediate lock down of the system to help prevent any future infestation. Please contact us for some additional tips and tricks or to schedule an appointment to take a look at your computer.

Disaster recovery is for everyone! From the single home computer to the most complex corporate networks, protecting your data is important. And if the question arises as to whether a disaster can happen, all it takes is one virus to take out your entire system.

For the home and small business user, most computers purchased from brand name manufacturers come with recovery CD's and utilities. The problem with these recovery utilities is that they restore the computer to an "as shipped" condition. Your settings, installed applications, and your data are all left unprotected and unaccounted for in the event of a system recovery.

Businesses must definitely take a more proactive approach to minimize downtime. Our solution is to get a fresh computer installed and configured to your specifications. We then like to install Acronis True Image and take a "snapshot" of your computer. yes, most modern computers come with a recovery CD, but what you get if you ever have to use this CD is the computer as it was shipped. All your installed software and customizations are gone. A customized recovery disk means that you run the recovery and the computer is rebooted to the exact configuration as that saved. We also recommend a full backup solution, including on-site backup as well as a web-based off-site solution. Done properly, your computer can go from trashed to pristine in a matter of an hour.

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