Bootable rescue disks are useful when malware is preventing you from running standard antivirus software. These disks allow you to check your computer for malware without having to run Windows and can often find files that antivirus software might overlook. Certain tools can scan the Master Boot Record of the hard drive. This is a function that is particularly useful to remove persistent or difficult-to-clean threats.
These bootable software tools feature an interface based on text. However, they do have customization options, so you can select to only scan specific types of files or folders, or even specific file sizes. The most effective of these tools offer a graphical interface and support for more advanced threats like rootkits, and other types of ransomware.
AVG Rescue CD is a good example, offering a simple but extensive GUI with a range of scanning options. It’s also among the few programs capable of performing an extensive MBR scanning which is usually impossible with a non-bootable application. It’s not the fastest software on this list however, and its text-only user interface isn’t for everyone.
Kaspersky Rescue Disk Another excellent choice is quick and well-designed interface. It also supports more advanced viruses. It offers features that you will not find in other bootable anti-virus tools, such as the ability to scan the boot sector and hidden startup objects as well fileless and the entire drive. You can also remove files to cut down on the scanning time. It identified all the malware we sent, including those that were not detected by other antivirus software.
