If your hard drive is already infected, here are a few tips.Some virus
experts warn that removing a virus might not be enough if some of your
files are already compromised. They suggest going through the directories
of your major programs and making sure that the dates match. For example,
if you started having trouble on 8-17 and a file in a given directory with
a critical extension such as .exe .ini .set or similar things suddenly
carries an 8-17 date, the file should be deleted and replaced either from
the original distribution disks or from backup disks.
Another tip: In each of your major programs, create a file called dir.txt
or something like that that lists all the filenames in that directory.
This way if some virus program adds a file, you will be able to detect it.
I'm not speaking of every directory you have but it is a good idea to have
directory .txt files for things like your operating system directories,
your favorite word processor, your scanningg programs, braille translation
software, screen-readers, etc.
Also, even though it takes up room, while you machine is virus-free, you
should make backups on disk, cd, or another hard drive of your major
operating files. These backups can save your system (and maybe your job)
as well as giving you protection should your computer hard drive crash.
Also be alert to any files containing 0 bytes.
Always keep at least two formatted disks that also contain your
autoexec.bat files.
I don't know the windows command for this but if you format a disk in dos
by writing:
format a: /s
the disk will contain the files needed to boot your computer.
Another tip is to put system files such as autoexec.bat config.sys, some
.ini files etc. in a separate directory called root on your hard drive and
make a backup of these files as well.
I hope these idea help someone. It takes time to do all this but a few
precautions can be well worth it.
Catherine


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-Catherine Thomas
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