PCCstudent

Went to try to sort out some problems my Doctor was having on his computer (XP OS) After he allowed a download (and he wasn't sure exactly what it was) about 15 different files with the .dll extension appeared on the desktop,mind you my Doc is pretty lame with the PC so he was of no help to construct the senerio.

System is slow with lots of errors (about 3 years use without any maintiance) and you gussed it, sensitive patient files so I am a little hesitant to start cleaning thing up and I am thinking of a Pro to at least get to where I feel comfortable. Any idea what happened?

GodofGrunts

Any guess?

Random dll files.

Obviously has malware.

Set him up with a Macbook or a Linux server to host all of his sensitive information.

Make an exact copy of his harddrive (I'm sure he has backups right?... RIGHT?) using ghost or clonezilla and backup his data and do a clean install.

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Liability

Your doctor shouldn't be downloading porn on a computer with sensitive information on it.

Just sayin.

Adrienspawn

There's no point in trying to fix an OS installation from 5 years ago. It will take longer and more effort than just the usual backup + reinstall.

Back up everything to external HDD
Format and install Windows 7 (I'm guessing he can't use Linux because of some program needs)
Install Firefox + Addons + Avira Antivir, Uninstall IE8
Connect the backup HDD and transfer important files.

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It's "I couldn't care less" (Because you don't care)

GodofGrunts

I would really suggest he have some sort of patient server running on Linux and MySQL .

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PCCstudent

I conclude I am going to make a total hardware,software,security,backup plan for Doc. The client files rather being the patients "chart' are his notes on cases and how he uses his contact with patients in comming up with data bases for Doctors in developing countries.

He wants to provide a way to give Doctors in these countries with a direction to medical information and treatment guidelines. But his system is a total mess in everyway.

So my goal is to add security, organization,backup and he wants a web site,yikes!

Its a case of the absent minded Professor. I really don't think porn is involved.

My work is cut out for me as he doesn't even fully grasp Windows Explorer. He says to me "you know there is a place for you here" heck I am a automechanic with less than 3 years formal IT training. I do like what he is trying to do but I must put a stop to poor computer security habits. I hope I can keep asking OCN for help?

He says to me "why didn't my AV keep me secure"? I can see some of my own cash and hardware going to this project. First on the list is seperate his "home" computer use from his "project" use with seperate rigs. No way will he ever grasp command line work.

GodofGrunts

He doesn't need to grasp command line work for anything.

Like I said earlier. Get him a rig set up with a SQL database. There are plenty of GUI frontends for SQL. Where he could insert his patients information and notes, or maybe even scan handwritten notes into a pdf.

As far as AV is concerned, nothing catches everything.

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