Decrap/Clean Computer without putting on my network

[wibi]

FIL has a computer that is running crazy slow and has the 10x "task bars" on IE ... I dont want to put the damn thing on my network since I have zero faith that he doesnt have a something that could infect my network (this is the only machine he has on his network whereas I have 5-7 machines on my network.)

I would prefer a USB based setup where I can just dispose of the USB afterwords if his computer is as infected as I expect it to be

Any ideas of what programs I should be getting/looking for?

 

[Harry Hooper]

Download one or two of the iso files mentioned here, burn the CD from the iso, and then boot up the suspect computer with the CD and run the cleaner (two different cleaners even better). Some of these tools also have a USB version if there is no CD drive.

 

[Hank Scorpio]

CCleaner is solid and has a free version.

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/security/how-remove-unwanted-browser-toolbars-3462529/ - article with steps on how to get rid of unwanted toolbars...

Also, some good advice for your FIL is to tell him to be careful when downloading free programs. Most people mindlessly click "Next" and "Agree" when installing, but free programs also throw in a "hey, do you agree to allow this totally unrelated adware/spyware/toolbar to install as well?" step, with an option to accept or decline.

 

[HriniakPosterChild]

Or tell him if he can't get it through ninite.com, he doesn't really need it.