Hi
Despite being very careful I mistakenly clicked on a 'bad' link in a very convincing Linkedin email - subsquently found info on Google re malware, etc.
Laptop now refuses to start in any Mode (Safe, Last Known, Normal). I was running Windows XP but don't have either the Windows CD or a Recovery CD and can't see any Recovery Mode on Start Up.
Only options which appear are:
1 - Normal Boot which 'offers'
Safe Mode,
Safe Mode with Networking,
Safe Mode with Command Prompt,
Last Known Good Configuration and
Start Normally.
All result in a blue screen followed by auto power down after a few seconds.
2 - F2 goes into Setup Utility. Option to Boot from CD/DVD or HDD
3 - F12 Boot Menu - same as F2 above
Would be grateful for advice on initial steps to recover. Have acccess to a second laptop and I am ok removing Hard Drive, etc if needed
I would be very grateful for any help
Thanks
Since you believe this is a malware problem, please go to the Spyware / Malware / Virus Removal forum, read the info there and follow the posted directions. Once you receive a clean bill of health, come back here if you have any additional questions or concerns or it turns out not to be a malware problem.
Do not reply to your post there as the malware folks look for posts with no replies first.
Include in your post there the make and model number of your computer as well as the other information requested. Please post a link back here to your malware thread.
Can you capture a picture of the blue screen information and post it here. Use a digital camera.
It is quite likely that you are going to need a XP installation CD or the HP Recovery CD. You can borrow one from a friend or purchase one online as they are no longer available from retail markets. I don't know if you can even order the recovery disc from HP any more but you can get one from Rcovery-Diskcs.com. I've purchased two so far and both have worked well. They run around $39.
For now though, please post the HP model number so I can do some research.
