A boot sector virus infects a computer’s DOS boot sector or MBR, causing boot and startup problems. It spreads through shared networks and floppy disks. Antivirus software can remove it, but prevention is key. Users should avoid sharing disks and downloading from unknown sources, install antivirus software, and back up files regularly.
A boot sector virus is a virus that places its codes and commands into a computer’s DOS boot sector or Master Boot Record (MBR). When this type of virus has infected a system, the MBR is usually corrupted and a computer’s boot sequence is changed. Boot sector viruses can be dangerous and prolific because they load onto a computer every time it starts up and, over time, can spread to other readable disks. Boot and startup problems, problems with data recovery, instability in computer performance, and the inability to locate hard drives are all problems that can arise due to an infection.
One of the main ways this type of virus has historically infected computers is through floppy disks. Due to advances in technology, these disks don’t have to be your old boot disks to harm a system; they can be medium disks that were left in the drives when computers started up. The virus can also thrive on shared networks where files are exchanged and e-mail attachments are distributed.
Fortunately, removing the virus from the boot sector is easy and most antivirus software can remove the virus quickly and efficiently. It is important for computer users to ensure that their antivirus software has completely removed the virus. Failure to do so can result in a partial removal, which can then lead to another part of the hard drive being affected. Investing in antivirus software can also help keep your data and files safe during the removal process.
Prevention of infection is also simple. Users should avoid sharing floppy disks and downloading software from unknown sources, as the virus can be transmitted both ways. Removing disks from drives before a computer starts up can also protect a user from infection since the virus can reside on a floppy disk. Installing real-time antivirus software that actively assesses threats to a machine can also help deter attacks.
All users should be prepared for any type of virus attack. Generally, it’s a good idea to back up your files regularly. Keeping system disks locked so that viruses cannot write to them can protect disks from unwanted intrusion. Checking all downloaded applications for viruses before installing them and locking floppy disks before using them on a third-party computer can also keep a user’s computer virus-free.
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