Part 9 - Setting your computer to boot to USB flash drives

You're going to need to set the infected computer to check for USB flash drives first.

If you know for a fact that your computer boots to USB flash drives first already, then you can skip this page completely by clicking here to continue.

You'll need to enter your computer's BIOS (Basic Input Output System) in order to set this up. Don't worry about changing it back after you've fixed up your machine. It's not going to affect anything. At this point, if you have a wireless keyboard, make sure it has fresh batteries/charge, or switch to a wired keyboard if you are having issues.

Turn on the infected computer.

As your computer boots up, you'll see your computer manufacturer's logo. (e.g., Dell, HP, eMachines, ASUS, Sony Vaio, Compaq, etc.) Look in all four corners of the screen and near the bottom for an option called Setup, Enter Setup, Enter BIOS, or Enter BIOS Setup. Near these words will be a key to press, such as Delete (Del), F1, F2, F3, Escape (ESC) or F10. If you do not see these words, try a different key every time you boot up until you get the right one. I would recommend starting with Delete (Del) first. You can always call your computer manufacturer as well and see what the key is if you don't want to play the guessing game. :-)

Once pushed, it will bring you to a DOS-like screen where you can change some important system information.

Some BIOS screens will have their main categories organized in tabs (across the top in blue) which you'll need to use left and right to navigate through. Others use a vertical menu on the left. Still others use a page-like interface. Look around on the screen for help if you need it.

You're interested in options that look like Boot, Boot Options, Boot Priority, Boot Sequence, or Boot Order. Use the arrow keys to move around and Enter/Return to confirm things or bring up more menus.

Once you get to it, make sure that your USB flash drive or USB-HDD (may be the make/model of the drive) is listed at the top. Some BIOS' require that you press a certain key to move the USB flash drive to the top, such as u, d, F5 or F6. Read the onscreen directions carefully. If you are having issues with this step, you can always call your computer manufacturer as well and see what you need to do to get the USB flash drive up there. Just tell them that you need to boot to a USB flash drive,

Once done, most BIOS' will allow you to save your changes by pressing F10. If yours is different and you don't know where to go, press the Escape (ESC) key to back out one screen. Some BIOS' at this point may ask you to save changes for that part of the BIOS. Save it and use the arrow keys to find your way to Exit. When it asks, Save Changes.

If all went well, the computer should reboot. Click here to continue.