How to fix a PC that won't boot after a virus/malware scan?

In this situation a complete re-install of the operating system is the best thing. However, you want to make sure that you can read all of his files before you do a re-install.

If he has a second computer handy, have him use that to test his files, or send them to someone (like you) to test the files if the program (Access, in this case) is not on that computer.

If he does not have access to another computer, there is a good chance that he can use that Ubuntu CD to get to the internet, depending on which version it is and how his network is setup (router, straight connection, etc.). Once he gets to the internet, he can e-mail you to verify the data before re-installing.

Once it's verified as working, he can use the Ubuntu Live CD* to verify that Geek Squad pulled off the right data. I've never used those services, but I'd guess unless he was present they would just pull off whatever was in My Documents and possibly the Desktop. If he stored files in any other location he might want to verify that they pulled that off as well.

The final step is to re-install XP with the disks that came with his computer. If he doesn't have these, find a local computer repair shop, as it is very likely they will have a set of OEM disks that they can restore with.

Good luck!

IMO, the ultimate geek repair would be to bring him back like all of this never happened. That probably isn't practical by doing a file-by-file repair. A reinstall is the best way IMO...not only will it be fast, it will be bug-free.

The good thing about the MS Access is that what he uses will simply be MDB or MDE files. Those will run fine again as long as Access is reinstalled. I wouldn't try to restore the program...reinstall it from the disc.

Basically, you want to ensure you have an entire clone of his existing drive backed up (on another drive) so there is no possibility that ANYTHING is lost. Don't trust that the Geek Squad has done that. Then, reformat the old drive, reinstall windows, then reinstall needed programs. After that, you can restore the USER files, be it music, documents, and the like.

Once you've got the PC back to EXACTLY the point where you're happy...MAKE A DISC IMAGE!! If it all goes kaput again, you can re-do a backup and just restore that image. Programs like Ghost (although I don't use it) can make restoring an image pretty easy that even a relative novice can do it with some decent directions.

It could be that someone took a browse in the BIOS and turned on APCI or somthing. Its to bad you aren't there. Mabe phone him and walk him through doing a bios reset. Just make sure he can follow along lol.