SARDU (Shardana Antivirus Rescue Disk Utility) is a MultiBoot Builder. It could be used to create a Live MultiBoot USB, CD, or DVD containing Antivirus Tools, Live Linux Distros, Diagnostics Tools, Windows PE, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and even Windows XP Installers.
SARDU (Shardana Antivirus Rescue Disk Utility)
SARDU is a MultiBoot Builder created by Davide Costa, designed to create bootable USB drives, CDs, or DVDs that contain multiple operating systems and essential utilities. It is particularly useful for users who need to carry out system repairs, run diagnostics, or install multiple operating systems from a single device. Originally, SARDU was well-regarded as a clean tool for creating MultiBoot drives that included antivirus tools, Live Linux distributions, and Windows installers. However, as of recent reports, SARDU may come bundled with unwanted adware ("Win32/Somoto.A"), which raises concerns about its current safety. Users are advised to exercise caution and consider alternatives.
Key Features of SARDU
- MultiBoot Creation: Allows users to create a USB, CD, or DVD that can boot multiple operating systems and tools.
- Antivirus Tools: Includes the ability to add antivirus utilities for system scanning and malware removal.
- Live Linux Distributions: Supports adding various Linux distros to boot directly from the device without installation.
- Windows Installers: Supports the integration of Windows installers (e.g., Windows XP, 7, 8, and Vista), making it useful for installing or reinstalling operating systems.
- System Diagnostic Tools: Includes options to add tools for diagnosing and repairing system issues.
- Windows PE Support: Allows integration of Windows Preinstallation Environment (PE) for troubleshooting and recovery tasks.
- ISO Support: Compatible with ISO images of many popular operating systems and tools.
- Simple Interface: User-friendly interface designed to make the creation of bootable USB drives and DVDs accessible to both beginners and advanced users.
- Freeware (Personal Use): Available as a free tool for personal use, making it an affordable solution for system recovery needs.
- Cross-Platform: Supports both Windows and Linux operating systems, providing flexibility for various users.
Alternatives to SARDU
If you're looking for alternatives to SARDU, here are two highly recommended MultiBoot USB builders:
- YUMI - (Your Universal Multiboot Installer) is a free tool that allows you to create a bootable USB drive containing multiple operating systems, diagnostic tools, and utilities. YUMI supports both UEFI and legacy BIOS systems and is user-friendly, making it one of the top choices for MultiBoot USB creation.
- Ventoy - is another fantastic tool that allows you to create bootable USB drives. Unlike some other tools, you don't need to format the USB each time you want to add an OS; simply copy the ISO files onto the USB drive, and Ventoy will handle the booting process for you. It supports both UEFI and Legacy BIOS and works with almost any ISO.
SARDU Specifications
WARNING! I've been informed that SARDU is now potentially packaged with the malicious Adware "Win32/Somoto.A". I cannot confirm that there is currently an issue, however, it is recommended that you proceed with caution if you plan to use this tool. Back in January 2011, when this post was originally written, it was a good, clean tool. It might still be, but we are placing this warning just in case.
- Author's Website: Official Project Page
- Developer: Originally created by Davide Costa
- Extracted Size: 9 MB (before running the tool)
- Supported OS: Windows/Linux
- License: Freeware (Personal Use Only)
- Downloading: You can find the different versions here:
SARDU Download