How to Burn a DVD in an Infected Computer Safely
If you find yourself needing to burn a DVD from an infected computer, do not panic. The key is to take the necessary steps to ensure your files are safe and secure before attempting the burn process. This article outlines the steps to follow, including a thorough virus scan and safe file management practices.
Precautions and Necessary Steps
Burning a DVD on an infected computer isn't impossible but it requires some precautions. First and foremost, you need to determine the type of virus you are dealing with. However, it's often advisable to conduct a comprehensive virus scan using a reliable antivirus and antimalware software. This will help in eliminating or minimizing the presence of viruses across your files. It's important to note that a complete virus removal might not be possible if your files are heavily infected. Still, the scan can significantly reduce the risk.
Virus Scan and File Management
Begin by performing a full system scan with your antivirus software. Choose an up-to-date, reputable antivirus solution like Avast, McAfee, or Norton. If you have an antimalware software like Malwarebytes, run a scan with that as well. Ensure that you do not have any temporary or system files open as these can affect the scan results. Allow the software to run a complete scan and remove detected threats. Once the scan is complete and all infections have been removed, you can proceed with burning your files. If the scan reveals severe infections, consider a clean installation of your operating system and freshly installed software to ensure maximum security.
Excluding Risky File Extensions
When dealing with potential virus threats, certain file extensions are known for their risk. In the context of a Windows PC, avoid copying files with the following extensions: .exe, .dat, .com, .ini, .bat, .src, .pif, .lnk, and .vbs. These files are commonly associated with viruses and trojans and can be deleted safely. If the infected files are important, consider isolating them and then deleting them to remove the risk. Some of these files might also appear after a system reinstallation, which is why it's crucial to take these precautions.
Burning the DVDs
Once your system is clean and the risk of infection is minimized, you can proceed to burn your files. Insert a blank DVD into your disc burner and use a burning software like ImDisk or Imager to manage the burning process. Ensure that you create a secure backup of your files before burning them to prevent accidental loss. If you are using a Windows PC, you can use the built-in burning software. Remember to configure the burning parameters properly to ensure the files are burned correctly and safely.
Final Checks and Recommendations
Before burning your DVDs, perform one last sanity check by verifying the integrity of the files you intend to burn. Make sure all necessary files are included and that none of them are corrupted. If possible, test a small batch of files to ensure they are backed up correctly. After burning, store the DVDs in a safe and secure place away from moisture and dust.
Regular maintenance and strict file management practices are essential in preventing future infections. Always keep your antivirus and antimalware software updated, and regularly perform full system scans. Regularly update your operating system and applications to protect against newly discovered threats.
By following these steps and maintaining good practices, you can safely burn DVDs even when dealing with an infected computer. Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to protecting your digital assets.