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Rescue CD

Boot Up Securely with the Rescue CD

If your computer no longer starts due to malware corrupting the operating system, or you suspect the security software has been compromised, you can use the F-Secure Rescue CD to securely boot up the computer and check the programs installed. The Rescue CD can also be used for more advanced repair and data recovery operations.


The Rescue CD contains Knoppix (a derivative of Linux), an operating system that runs completely from the CD and allows access to your computer's Windows operating system and hard disks.

Note: the Rescue CD cannot scan encrypted disks.

  1. System Requirements

      To use the Rescue CD, the computer must meet the following minimum requirements:

          • x86 compatible
          • At least 512 MB of RAM
          • Can start up from a CD
          • Connected to the Internet or able to use a USB drive

  2. Downloads

      You can download the Rescue CD from:

          • F-Secure Linux Weblog: Rescue CD
          • Rescue CD User’s Guide (PDF, 36 KB)


      You can also download the Rescue CD updates to a USB drive (minimum 256 MB of free space) using a healthy computer with Internet access. You can use this USB drive to fix a computer that cannot connect to the Internet. Instructions on how to do this are included in the Rescue CD User’s Guide.