What to have in the ultimate computer rescue kit...

[Bogie]

So far in my handy-dandy-lock-in-the-box-until-i-need-it folder, I've got the XP disk, a disk with AVG, Malwarebytes, and a few other things on it, Ubuntu, and Trinity Rescue Disk... Any other programs out there that are "must have" for rescuing idjits?
 
(I've been telling relatives to have their friends/cow-orkers call me when things go bad - may as well get organized. And listen to the screaming start when I tell 'em I'm charging...)

[trapperready]

Any other programs out there that are "must have" for rescuing idjits?

The best tool I've found is Caller-ID. I just don't answer the phone if either of my sisters call. The only time they call me (outside of Christmas and Thanksgiving) is when they're having problems with their computers. By not answering, I save myself untold hours of frustration.

[roo_ster]

I am no recovery/security guru, but I have found the following tools handy, in addition to the standard knoppix & ubuntu live CDs.

Backtrack Linux
http://remote-exploit.org/backtrack.html
Networky issues

Damn Small Linux
http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/
Nice for work on limited hardware

F.I.R.E.
http://biatchux.dmzs.com/
Came in handy in the past

Crash Recovery Kit for Linux
http://crashrecovery.org/
Haven't used it, but it sure sounds good.

OPHcrack
Lost the link
Used to recover lost passwords / crack the Windows password.

[zahc]

dban

[Gewehr98]

I actually have one of those kits, in the handy-dandy yellow plastic toolbox.

There's a spare 60Gb Maxtor hard drive, spare IDE CD-ROM drive, Knoppix CD, 10/100 PCI ethernet card, AVG, Windows ME boot floppy, Radeon 7000 PCI video card, a small 20Gb USB external drive, Digital Dolly CD, USB/PS2 mouse adapter, USB/PS2 keyboard adapter, 4-port USB hub, baby food jar full of assorted computer screws and motherboard standoffs, one tube of Arctic Silver 5, power cable, USB cable, micro VOM, and various types of memory.

And a Leatherman Wave.   

 

[RoadKingLarry]

A few ounces of C-4 and requisite detonators.

[AZRedhawk44]

Belarc Advisor:  This will probe the registry of a given computer for all software that requires a license key... and generate a document that has all of those keys on it.  Invaluable for wiping an idgit's computer and getting an inventory of software along with the license keys.

[bedlamite]

[TechMan]

+1 for bedlamite's suggestion. 

[Firethorn]

nobody's mentioned thermite yet?      

[Stetson]

I actually have one of those kits, in the handy-dandy yellow plastic toolbox.

There's a spare 60Gb Maxtor hard drive, spare IDE CD-ROM drive, Knoppix CD, 10/100 PCI ethernet card, AVG, Windows ME boot floppy, Radeon 7000 PCI video card, a small 20Gb USB external drive, Digital Dolly CD, USB/PS2 mouse adapter, USB/PS2 keyboard adapter, 4-port USB hub, baby food jar full of assorted computer screws and motherboard standoffs, one tube of Arctic Silver 5, power cable, USB cable, micro VOM, and various types of memory.

And a Leatherman Wave.   

 

Add an AGP video card, USB Wireless modem, multimeter and a Password crack CD for those "security concious" folks who forget their passwords.

All of the above is pretty much what I carry in my system.  I also carry spare ribbon cables, SATA cables, power cords, switches and any parts I have left over from other jobs.  But I also use 2 tool boxes for my repair stuff.

[Ben]

Belarc Advisor:

Thanks for the heads up on that one!

[go_bang]

OPHcrack
http://ophcrack.sourceforge.net/
Used to recover lost passwords / crack the Windows password.

Fixed it for you.

[Perd Hapley]

Crash Recovery Kit for Linux
http://crashrecovery.org/

Oh the no!  my fathe in linix!!

[Gewehr98]

Boy, I'd do a virus scan on that OPHCrack utility well before I ever tried to use it... 

[bmitchell]

dban

Nice.

Spybot S&D has helped out a lot of students here, not to mention Windows chkdsk utility.
I find the best tool is a technician's aura but these are hard to come by if you don't already have one.

Ben

[Perd Hapley]

I find the best tool is a technician's aura but these are hard to come by if you don't already have one. 

Pocket protectors and birth control glasses getting scarce?