Troubleshooting Tools and Strategies

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InoculateIT Antivirus AVBoot version 1.1 is a command-line tool that scans the computer's memory and all locally-installed disk drives for MBR and boot sector viruses. If a virus is found, AVBoot can remove the virus. AVBoot is located in the \VALUEADD\3RDPARTY\CA_ANTIV folder of the Windows 2000 operating system CD.

To create an AVBoot startup disk

  1. Insert the Windows 2000 operating system CD into the CD-ROM drive.

  2. Insert an empty, high-density 3.5 – inch floppy disk into the floppy disk drive.

  3. From the Start menu, click Run .

  4. Browse the CD-ROM drive in the Look in list box, and navigate to the \VALUEADD\3RDPARTY\CA_ANTIV folder.

  5. Double-click Makedisk.bat , and then click OK .

  6. When the process is complete, remove the floppy disk, label it AVBoot, and then store it in a safe location. Record the creation date in a log book.

Makedisk.bat is used to create a startup floppy disk that runs AVBoot.

To run AVBoot, insert the AVBoot startup floppy disk and restart the computer. AVBoot automatically starts when the computer has completed the startup process from the floppy disk.

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Note

On many computers, an option in the CMOS setup program allows the user to set the sequence of installed disks that the system searches for the startup files. If drive C is set to be searched before drive A, the AVBoot disk is not loaded.

When the AVBoot menu appears, press 1. It displays a report showing the version number and the date of the installed virus-scanning engine and the data or antivirus signature files. The next line displays the results of a virus scan in memory. Below that, a Boot Sector Summary report is displayed, showing the results of the scan on the installed floppy disk drives and all hard disks. If a second floppy disk drive or hard disk is not installed, the report states Not Installed. Press any key to return to the AVBoot menu. Following is an example:

InoculateIT AntiVirus Avboot V1.1

Copyright 1997-99 Computer Associates International, Inc.

and/or its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.

Engine version: 4.22 06/01/1999

Data version: 4.22 06/14/1999

No Viruses Were Detected In Workstation Memory

Boot Sector Summary:

Floppy Drive A... No Boot Sector Viruses Detected

Floppy Drive B... Not Installed

Hard Disk 1...... No Boot Sector Viruses Detected

Hard Disk 2...... Not Installed

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Important

Whether you use a third-party antivirus program or AVBoot, be sure to regularly update the virus signature files. After you install an antivirus program, immediately update the signature files, usually through an Internet connection. Check with the software documentation for specific instructions. AVBoot includes update instructions in the installation folder and on the AVBoot floppy disk. When you update the virus signature files, record the date in your log book so you can determine how fresh the files are on the AVBoot disk.

It is extremely important that you regularly update your antivirus program. In most cases, antivirus programs are unable to reliably detect and clean viruses of which they are unaware resulting in false negative reports. Most commercial antivirus software manufacturers offer monthly updates. Use the latest download to ensure that your system is protected with the latest virus defenses.