Bootable rescue disks are useful when malware is preventing you from running regular antivirus software. These tools let you check your computer for malware without Windows and usually find the files that antivirus software may miss. Some https://totalavantivirusreview.com/tips-and-tricks-for-management-development-with-data-room-services tools can scan the Master Boot Record of the hard drive. This is a feature that is particularly useful in removing persistent or difficult-to clean threats.

These bootable tools tend to have a rudimentary text interface. However, they usually offer customization options so that you can select to scan specific folders or files, just sizes or types of files, and much more. The most effective of these tools will have an interface for users with graphics and support for advanced security threats, such as rootkits or ransomware.

AVG Rescue CD is a good example, featuring a simple but comprehensive GUI and a variety of scanning options. It’s also one among the few programs that can perform an extensive MBR scanning which is usually not possible using a non-bootable program. However it’s not among the fastest on this list and its text-only interface doesn’t suit all users.

Kaspersky Rescue Disk is another top option which is fast, comes with a well-designed interface and can handle more advanced infections. It comes with features that you’ll rarely see in other bootable antivirus software like the ability to scan boot sectors, hidden startup objects, as well as files that aren’t able to be scanned and the entire hard drive. You can also block files to speed up the time required to scan. In our tests, it identified all malware samples we sent to it as well as some that were able to evade detection by other antivirus programs.