Avira Rescue CD

When a computer running Windows is infected with malware, there are basically three options you can choose from to remove the malicious files. One option involves backing up your files and reinstalling a clean copy of Windows. Because this is a drastic option, many want to just run an anti-malware software, but if the operating system is already infected, the malware can be difficult to remove. Many prefer a third alternative, which is where Avira Rescue CD comes in.

Avira functions by not allowing the infected copy of Windows to boot up. Instead it allows Linux to run from a bootable CD, and it proceeds to clean the operating system. The application treats the internal hard drive as if it were data, scanning for viruses and other malwares.

Avira Rescue CD is free, and the operating procedure is straightforward. Simply begin by downloading the 64MB file and burn it to a CD. Avira allows you to choose between ISO files, or an EXE-based CD creator.

The application is notable because Avira, unlike many other antivirus software companies, proudly displays Avira Rescue CD in a prominent position on their website. Avira also updates their rescue CD on a daily basis, instead of a weekly one. Finally, Avira provides a built-in update capacity in the Avira Rescue CD. This lends credence to Avira’s commitment to providing quality software.

The CD has been applauded for its small size – only 64 megabytes. This not only includes a diagnostic capability, but a removal application as well. Although the program is easy to burn to a CD, it should be noted that it can’t be downloaded onto a flash drive. Despite this minor drawback, the Avira Rescue CD has gained favorable reviews. The setup, however, can be a little tricky, so it’s worth taking the time to explain it below.

After you burn the CD, insert it into your CD drive and restart your computer. The CD should boot, but if it just defaults to Windows, you have to get to the boot menu to modify the boot sequence. Try rebooting again while continually pushing F12 as the computer restarts. This will take you to the boot menu.

Once in the boot menu, proceed to the Boot tab and then to the Boot Device Priority. Put the drive holding Avira Rescue CD into the first position. Save changes and exit. Restarting the computer will now boot the CD.

Afterwards the directions are fairly easy to follow. If you have any troubles, the best thing to do is find a tutorial for Avira Rescue CD. Despite being effective, however, some of the directions can be slightly confusing. The software identifies viruses as “records”, and “required time” as the elapsed time of the scan. Also, the software detects malware immediately, but does not immediately remove it. To get the application to automatically remove the files, you have to proceed to the configuration button and change the behavior setting from “protocol malware records only” to “Try to repair infected files.”

When the scan is finished, a summary report describes the number of files detected and removed.

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