Safest way to recover WIN Vista

[thorsonb]

I got a friend who apparently downloaded a Virus on his computer, and now his computer wont load past th BIOS /POST (power on system test) screen…..
I was thinking… just get a Live Linux/Ubuntu CD, using that and retrieve whatever important he has saved on his HDD… and then re-install WIN_Vista

I'm not sure if he has his OS on a separate partition, and data (files/documents/videos/music) on a separate partition.

Any suggestions on how I should go about doing this?

Since I'm not an expert, I'm sure my friend would be happy enough to know that his files were retrieved… he should care less about his system settings / configurations

Or maybe there is a LIVE Windows Vista CD? That one can make use of?? And maybe I try get a “System Restore Point” ??

P.s. this person doesn't have the Installation discs for Vista, it came pre installed with the computer (second hand)…

 

[KSoD]

You have the right idea. Use a Live LinuxCD. There is no Live Vista CD. There is BartPE but that is totally different. There is also this:

Recovering the Vista Bootloader from the DVD - NeoSmart Technologies Wiki

A Recovery CD that you can use to get Restore Points. *NOTE* It contains NO INSTALL FILES. It is for boot recovery and restore points only.

Sadly if the virus is bad enough, it could have also infected the Restore Points as well.