How to backup an infected computer safely?

Question

So my computer has a malware(i think) that is deeply infected. Everytime I try to run something like Kasperis (sp?) it tries to remove it but I think the malware knows whats happening and so in order to protect itsself it crashes my computer. 
The only way I can think of getting rid of it is to do a memory wipe and reinstall the OS. But I don't have a backup of my Windows 7 OS. Is their a way to backup my OS without the infection coming with it?
If not I'll have to get Windows 8 installed instead after the memory wipe which I heard bad things about Windows 8 and don't really want it if I don't have to get it. 

Thanks!

? · Accepted Answer

You can back up your data, eg photos etc, but not the infected OS. This is best done by using a linux boot disc and a usb flash drive. However your machine may already have a hidden recovery partition. Post the name and model of your machine.
I see you ran Avast also, are you running multiple AV's this could cause the crashing

Anonymous · Answer

You could try running your Kaspersky in Safe Mode as a first option, but for now...

Try this:

Firstly, boot your computer to the Safe Mode menu screen. You do this by repeatedly pressing F8 as soon as you boot up. Once there, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking. Continue to boot from there, by pressing Enter. You will now see some drivers being loaded. There will be a pause at some point. This usually lasts for no more than 30 seconds.

If that's successful, download and run TDSSKiller.exe from Kaspersky Lab. It's tiny, and takes just a minute to run. It hunts down and kills a specific family of rootkits:

http://support.kaspersky.com/faq/?qid=208280684

Regardless of the results, download the free version of Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (MBAM). Install it, get updates and run a full scan (still in Safe Mode). This is a direct download link. Copy and paste it into your browser’s address bar, and press Enter.

http://www.myantispyware.com/mbam

After that, boot normally and run another full scan with MBAM. It will detect any malware that wasn’t running in Safe Mode.

If the problem still exists, download and run the free Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool:

http://www.kaspersky.com/antivirus-removal-tool?form=1

You should now delete TDSSKiller.exe and the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool, as updated versions are often made available. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware can be easily uninstalled, should you wish to do so, but it may prove to be beneficial in the future.

Hope this helps.

? · Answer

Restart your PC in Safe Mode with Networking, go to malwarebytes.com, download it, install it, be sure to update it as well. Run a full scan, wait, and remove everything it finds, after it's done, reboot your PC normally and it should be gone, if not, try ComboFix, if that doesn't work, your last ditch effort is to reinstall Windows 7, if you can't, well, you'll just have to go with Windows 8. (and yeah, windows 8 isn't good)

? · Answer

If you don't have a backup of Windows 7 OS, & you don't want Windows 8.
Then you can go the free version & use Linux/Ubuntu, it's actually easier to use than Windows, even Grandmothers are able to use it.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13505_3-9889681-16.html

Anonymous · Answer

If you think there is a virus or spyware activity on your pc, than i prefer you to do a full scan..in safe mode..its better to scan first than try anything else on it..
and if you need any help regarding viruses, this will guide you on this..

http://blog.spywarelib.com/

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How to backup an infected computer safely?

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