Avira Rescue System

When an operating system stops working, it is still possible to repair it, rather than reinstalling the whole thing. Avira Rescue System can help you with this operation. It allows you to load up an Ubuntu-based pre-boot environment, from which you can scan for viruses and attempt to fix your computer. The system includes a wide range of useful utilities, so you can be prepared for almost any situation.

Downloading Avira Rescue System may take a minute or two, because it weighs in at over 600 MB. The good news is that you don't have to go through a lengthy installation process. Once the setup file is downloaded, you can have the system ready in no time. All you need is a blank CD or DVD. If you have it loaded into your computer, you can run the Avira Rescue System and click a button to burn the aforementioned pre-boot environment on that disc.

If you don't have a blank at your immediate disposal or if you don't have an optical drive with burning capabilities, you can write the system on a USB flash drive, using UNetbootin (reviewed by my colleague, George Norman, here). Booting up the computer with the CD or USB stick inserted will load Avira Rescue System right away, without the need for any user input.

As previously mentioned, the rescue system is based on Ubuntu, one of the many Linux distributions, which is why the system may feel familiar to many users. Once it starts up, the rescue part of the system will kick in, placing various options at your disposal. You can start a three-step wizard to scan your computer and attempt to repair it or contact Avira's support department, who can help you via remote control if you want to. Also, the rescue system allows you to attempt some advanced fixes, by manually editing the Windows Registry.

The Avira Rescue System includes other useful tools as well. You can find a Firefox web browser installed, a file manager, text editor, command terminal and more. Even if you are not familiar with Ubuntu, you won't have any kind of difficulties navigating through your data or performing other actions, due to the system's clean and simple design.