SPCR

I need to access some files from a usb stick that others have said was infected with a worm or virus. I was thinking of reading it on my android via a dongle, would my phone be ok?a

I would be wary, since Android is common, and the virus might have a variant version?

Here's what I would do: download a Linux ISO file (I would suggest Ubuntu) and make a bootable disk (or USB drive?). Boot to that, and then use the suspected USB drive, and copy the files you need to the hard drive. Unmount it, and restart in Windows.

Even if the machine reading the files can't get infected, it can still pass it on. You would need some way to clean the files first.

The even more complex method:
- get a free copy of VMWare and a Linux distro. Set up a Linux VM on your Windows PC and read the file via the VM. If it infects the VM, who cares, as the VM goes away when you kill the process.

Or you could try a Linux Live CD with a built in antivirus.

NeilBlanchard wrote:I would be wary, since Android is common, and the virus might have a variant version?

Here's what I would do: download a Linux ISO file (I would suggest Ubuntu) and make a bootable disk (or USB drive?). Boot to that, and then use the suspected USB drive, and copy the files you need to the hard drive. Unmount it, and restart in Windows.

Thanks Neil for this valuable info

NeilBlanchard wrote:I would be wary, since Android is common, and the virus might have a variant version?

Here's what I would do: download a Linux ISO file (I would suggest Ubuntu) and make a bootable disk (or USB drive?). Boot to that, and then use the suspected USB drive, and copy the files you need to the hard drive. Unmount it, and restart in Windows.

I make a Ubuntu usb drive and will try it.

I also tried making a VM within the usb drive but had boot issues. Ill disconnect all other drives so only the ubuntu flash is connected

What are some antivirus/scanners that i can load to the linux install to scan the infected drive?

Maybe ClamTK, sorry not so knowledgable