format vs. reformat

My brand new PC with Windows XP appears to have acquired
the 'msblast.exe' virus (only 3 days after installing
windows). Rather than remove the virus using Norton or
manual instructions, I'd prefer to simply reformat the
hard drive, as I have not yet installed anything else
anyway (other than Windows XP.)

How do I go about a reformat to wipe the disk clean to
remove this virus. (Formatting the original disk was semi-
automated upon first time boot. )
Is there any reason why I should not reformat?

Thanks!
Doug

Works the same way.

LOL JAX

"Doug" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:075501c3ba1c$0b3acf40$a301280a@phx.gbl...
> My brand new PC with Windows XP appears to have acquired
> the 'msblast.exe' virus (only 3 days after installing
> windows). Rather than remove the virus using Norton or
> manual instructions, I'd prefer to simply reformat the
> hard drive, as I have not yet installed anything else
> anyway (other than Windows XP.)
>
> How do I go about a reformat to wipe the disk clean to
> remove this virus. (Formatting the original disk was semi-
> automated upon first time boot. )
> Is there any reason why I should not reformat?
>
> Thanks!
> Doug

Doug;
Removing Blaster is relatively simple, so a format may be a bit much.
This time do not leave your computer unprotected.
3 days is a long time for a worm that only needed a few seconds.
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/blaster.htm

However if you want to start over:
Clean Installation
Disconnect all peripherals (camera, printer, scanner, etc)
Disconnect network/modem cable.
Go to BIOS and set CDROM as boot device before hard drive.
Insert Windows XP CD and reboot.
At "Press any key to boot to CDROM" quickly press a key and follow the
prompts for a Clean installation:
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcas...xp_sg_clean.asp
If you are installing using Windows XP Upgrade, insert qualifying
media in Step 4b.
Delete all partitions in step 5 if you desire to erase all data on the
hard drive.
Partitioning and formatting will be done automatically.
All data will be destroyed, back-up important data first.

Enable or install firewall BEFORE connecting network cable.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=283673

Install ALL Critical Windows Updates:
Start/All Programs/Windows Update

After you are finished, you will need to load the appropriate drivers.

If your computer was shipped with Windows XP, these procedures may or
may not apply.
Check your manual or contact the computer manufacturer for more
details.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/...roups/setup.asp
http://dts-l.org/index.html


"Doug" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:075501c3ba1c$0b3acf40$a301280a@phx.gbl...
> My brand new PC with Windows XP appears to have acquired
> the 'msblast.exe' virus (only 3 days after installing
> windows). Rather than remove the virus using Norton or
> manual instructions, I'd prefer to simply reformat the
> hard drive, as I have not yet installed anything else
> anyway (other than Windows XP.)
>
> How do I go about a reformat to wipe the disk clean to
> remove this virus. (Formatting the original disk was semi-
> automated upon first time boot. )
> Is there any reason why I should not reformat?
>
> Thanks!
> Doug

Had it, removed it - no problems since. Recommend against re-format.

"Doug" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:075501c3ba1c$0b3acf40$a301280a@phx.gbl...
> My brand new PC with Windows XP appears to have acquired
> the 'msblast.exe' virus (only 3 days after installing
> windows). Rather than remove the virus using Norton or
> manual instructions, I'd prefer to simply reformat the
> hard drive, as I have not yet installed anything else
> anyway (other than Windows XP.)
>
> How do I go about a reformat to wipe the disk clean to
> remove this virus. (Formatting the original disk was semi-
> automated upon first time boot. )
> Is there any reason why I should not reformat?
>
> Thanks!
> Doug

Even if you choose to format the HDD and do a fresh install of XP, if you
don't put up some type of firewall, the instant your PC becomes "visible" on
the Internet you can be infected. I'd do what others on this thread have
advised...just remove the virus, do Microsoft's patch and install a good
Anti-Virus program.

"Doug" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:075501c3ba1c$0b3acf40$a301280a@phx.gbl...
> My brand new PC with Windows XP appears to have acquired
> the 'msblast.exe' virus (only 3 days after installing
> windows). Rather than remove the virus using Norton or
> manual instructions, I'd prefer to simply reformat the
> hard drive, as I have not yet installed anything else
> anyway (other than Windows XP.)
>
> How do I go about a reformat to wipe the disk clean to
> remove this virus. (Formatting the original disk was semi-
> automated upon first time boot. )
> Is there any reason why I should not reformat?
>
> Thanks!
> Doug