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Hiding threats on Windows boxes
My operating system of choice does not come from Redmond. Gnu/Linux since 1993. However, I do make money from MS boxes, lately lots of money.

Out of compasion for those afraid to convert to Linux, let me pass this on:

Most computers (Dell and most others) come from the factory pre-configured with a Windows partition. But, there is another, hidden partition, usually of size 64 MB (small) which serves to "restore to new condition" or some such.

That partition can be seen by booting (from CD) any linux distribution. Using manual partitioning, notice a partion type of 222 or whatever (MS can see only MS partitions).

For the last several months, I've found spyware and viri on that partition, which is invisible to ad-aware, Norton internet security 2004, and any other "protection" programs I've seen.

Simply reformating your hard drive will NOT affect this small phantom partition, so when Windows is re-installed, the bad actors detect that their child was tossed out, and so restore the missing malware.

My solution: install Linux. If you love wasting money on extra security software, then (while peeking at the culprit with the Linux partition editor from above), change it to a desired windows type, or delete it all together.

Once made visible by having a Bill Gates partition type, your virus checker/adware agent can remove the infection.

Or, call me and I'll charge $120 to clean it up, plus make you listen to why I don't do windows and don't need gates because my property is open.

BBaston
ComputerPro, Inc.
Posted by: bbaston   Posted on: 04/08/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use
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Another reason to move  MkIIISupra | 04/08/04
Strange ...  Ardian Daka | 04/08/04
bogus suggestion...  DarbyOhara | 04/08/04
Feelings vs facts  Sunny Jalolly | 04/08/04
you didn't read...  DarbyOhara | 04/09/04
tell me about Linux  valrock | 04/09/04
Trying Linux  gafisher@... | 04/10/04
Here are some things for you  MkIIISupra | 04/10/04
it's ashame....  DarbyOhara | 04/08/04
Make an image...  Confused by religion | 04/08/04
It really is a shame...  Mack DaNife | 04/09/04
Why your real machine?  rpmyers1 | 04/08/04
Solution number one  kennethsf | 04/08/04
Even simplier ...  Ardian Daka | 04/08/04
Don't trust it  rpmyers1 | 04/08/04
That's why ...  Ardian Daka | 04/08/04
Except  rpmyers1 | 04/08/04
There's a solution to getting the stuff off permanently.  Anton Philidor | 04/08/04
Also...  NemesisNL | 04/08/04
Hiding threats on Windows boxes  bbaston | 04/08/04
Removing the partitions prior to reformating will solve  DragonBRockin | 04/09/04
Not So Easy  niolonra | 04/08/04
Easier than you think  rpmyers1 | 04/08/04
Not so hard either  Mack DaNife | 04/09/04
Oh but it is so easy  toadlife | 04/09/04
Protection has to be layered  jfrankcarr | 04/09/04
So, what were the products?  wpope | 04/09/04
Techies, You Are Missing the Point  ldelpizzo@... | 04/09/04
Missing which point?  gafisher@... | 04/10/04
This story is eerily familiar  mreilly19 | 04/09/04
Your going about it all wrong  toadlife | 04/09/04

What do you think?

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