USB Multipurpose device - susceptible to virus?

[ChrisTech]

Hi

When running the Service Center 8 disc in Windows, if the computer being tested has a virus, is there a risk of the USB multipurpose device getting an infection from the computer?

If so, can the USB device be scanned with a normal antivirus program without causing any issues on the device, prior to printing reports or placing the USB device in another computer?

Many thanks.

Chris

[Kris_PCD]

While I do know that it is possible for the Multipurpose USB Device(MUD) to store additional files (Including viruses), I do not know how likely it is for a virus to move onto the drive on its own.

If you are ever concerned that the drive may have a virus on it you can re-image the MUD, which will reset the device to it's factory default. Which includes deleting all non-PC Doctor files stored on the device.

To re-image the MUD:

  1) From within Windows on a known good PC, insert the Multipurpose USB Device into an available USB port.
  2) Insert the PC-Doctor Service Center Diagnostics CD and wait for the autorun menu to appear.  Note: If you have the optical drive's autorun feature disabled, you will need to browse to the Diagnostics CD and launch Setup.exe.
  3) From the menu, click on the option "More -- advanced options" and then select "Multipurpose USB Device Restore Tool" to reset the USB key to its original state.

[ChrisTech]

Thank you for your reply.

I suppose an ordinary virus scan of the USB drive is an alternative to reimage? Would this cause any problem bearing in mind the MUD isn't an ordinary USB drive..?

Chris

[Kris_PCD]

I don't believe that it would cause any issues, but I can't say that I have tested it to be certain.

The flip side though is just because a virus scan says everything is clear doesn't always mean it is. Remember, antivirus software is constantly updating and playing catchup for the latest viruses. 

Just something to keep in mind.

[ChrisTech]

Thanks for your quick replies.

Chris