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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteKaspersky Rescue Disk lets you start a separate environment from a USB drive or DVD and scan a Windows computer without relying on its installed operating system. Download the image from Kaspersky, create boot media, start the affected PC from it, and run Rescue Tool. Back up important data first: Kaspersky warns that the tool modifies operating-system files and could leave Windows unable to start.
Before you start
- Use a USB drive or DVD with at least 1 GB of capacity, as specified by Kaspersky.
- Have another working computer available if the affected PC cannot download or prepare the media.
- Back up the affected computer if possible. Kaspersky Rescue Disk Help warns that Rescue Disk modifies operating-system system files and may make the OS inoperable; the warning appears in “Starting Kaspersky Rescue Tool,” dated November 25, 2024.
- If the Windows drive is protected by BitLocker, keep the recovery information available and check Kaspersky’s current compatibility guidance. Do not assume the encrypted volume will unlock or be scanned automatically.
Download the image from Kaspersky’s official Rescue Disk Help and download page. Use the official source rather than an unverified mirror; the available image and interface may change.
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Create the bootable media
USB drive
- Connect a USB drive with at least 1 GB of capacity. Creating boot media can erase data on the drive, so copy off any files you need first.
- Use Rufus or Win32 Disk Imager to write the Kaspersky image to the USB drive. In Rufus, Kaspersky recommends ISO mode; Rufus also offers DD mode. Win32 Disk Imager writes in DD mode.
- Follow the writing utility’s prompts and wait for it to finish before ejecting the drive.
DVD
If the computer has a DVD drive, write the image to a DVD using suitable disc-writing software. Kaspersky specifies a minimum capacity of 1 GB for the boot medium.
Start the computer from Rescue Disk
- Insert the USB drive or DVD into the affected computer, then turn it on or restart it.
- Open the computer’s Boot Menu during startup and select the USB drive or DVD. The key varies by computer model; Kaspersky gives Delete and F2 as examples. Check the computer maker’s instructions if neither opens the menu.
- Follow the Rescue Disk Setup Wizard, choose the interface language, then select Graphic mode. If the regular display mode does not work, choose Limited graphic mode.
- Wait for the portable environment to load. Rescue Tool starts automatically.
If the keyboard or mouse does not respond, check the computer’s BIOS settings to confirm input-device support is enabled.
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Run a malware scan
- In Kaspersky Rescue Tool, select Start scan.
- Let the standard scan check system memory, startup objects, boot sectors, and files, including archive contents. You can edit the scan scope if you need different coverage.
- Review the scan results and the performance report generated by the tool. Use the available remediation options for detections you want to address.
Kaspersky documents this computer scan for Windows computers. Rescue Disk runs independently of the installed operating system, but that does not guarantee it can access every infection or encrypted volume.
Update databases or connect to the internet
Kaspersky documents separate procedures for updating antivirus databases and connecting Rescue Disk to the internet. Network access depends on the computer’s adapter and connection, so these options may not work on every system. Settings, including network settings, reset after restart unless persistence is configured.
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Shut down and restart Windows
When scanning and any selected remediation are complete, use the shutdown procedure in the current Kaspersky interface. Remove the USB drive or DVD, then restart the computer so it boots from its internal drive. Consult Kaspersky’s current Rescue Disk startup and shutdown help for the exact interface sequence.
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USB, DVD, and other choices
| Choice | What to use | What Kaspersky specifies |
|---|---|---|
| Boot medium | USB or DVD | At least 1 GB capacity |
| Rufus writing mode | ISO or DD | ISO mode is recommended; DD is also available |
| Win32 Disk Imager | DD | DD mode only |
| Display mode | Graphic or Limited graphic | Graphic mode is recommended; use Limited graphic if regular graphics fail |
| Scan scope | Standard or edited | The standard scan checks memory, startup objects, boot sectors, and files, including archive contents |
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