How to Fix a PC That Has Had Zero Sector Virus
When your computer boots up, the first thing it does is load sector zero--the boot sector--from the primary boot disk. The boot sector then loads your operating system. That makes the boot sector very important; since it gets loaded first, it has more control than any other software on the disk. Decades ago, virus writers realized that if they could put a virus in the boot sector, it would be nearly unstoppable. In this way, they created viruses that spread from floppy disk to hard disk to floppy disk to hard disk--often bringing a whole company under its control in a matter of weeks.
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Instructions
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Shut down your computer.
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Insert your Windows installation CD.
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Turn on the computer. Make sure it boots from the CD drive (you may have to refer to your computer's motherboard manual for instruction on how to do this).
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When the Windows installer starts, follow its instructions. When it gives you the opportunity, press "R" to load the Recovery Console.
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Type "fixmbr" and press "Enter" once the Recovery Console finishes loading. This will replace your infected boot sector with the standard Windows boot sector.
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Tips & Warnings
If you can, make backups of your most important files as soon as you realize your computer is infected. Always virus-scan these files thoroughly before opening them on another computer.
Using the Recovery Console can be dangerous. If you are confused or need help, ask a professional.
