Do I need a 'clean reinstall'?

[Guest]

My stepson's computer (eMachine - XP/Home) is so full of games, questionable
downloaded 'utilities,' spyware, etc. that it almost doesn't run. I want to
reinstall Windows from the original eMachine restore disk and put the
legitimate programs back on (have CDs). Do I need to first wipe the C: drive
clean to get rid of all remnants, or just proceed with a restoration? Thanks.

 

[Chuck Davis]

My stepson's computer (eMachine - XP/Home) is so full of games,
questionable
downloaded 'utilities,' spyware, etc. that it almost doesn't run. I want
to
reinstall Windows from the original eMachine restore disk and put the
legitimate programs back on (have CDs). Do I need to first wipe the C:
drive
clean to get rid of all remnants, or just proceed with a restoration?
Thanks.

Jim,

Mike Hall (MVP) posted this the other day. The best advice that I have seen.
I understand that some measures have been taken, but they are not enough..
re-installs and reformats can be as problematic, especially for the
un-initiated who may not even be aware of what type of installation media
they have or the full consequences of using it..

Some programs, like Kazaa for instance, will always give you problems.. even
if you install the so-called spyware free versions, files downloaded from
these services can be devastating.. there are users of these services that
deliberately make infected files available to the unwary.. others just do
not realise that their systems are infecting those of others in a covert
manner..

Please try the processes below.. and do them in order.. none of the
processes are beyond the abilities of a newbie user..

You would be better advised to work on the problems rather than start over
now, have the same things happen again, and then have to repeat the
process.. maintaining a computer should be done regularly, and will only
take a few minutes per week..

OK.. start by turning OFF the System Restore function.. click on the Start
button.. right click on 'My Computer', then select Properties.. now select
the 'System Restore' tab..

Check the box "Turn off System Restore" or "Turn off System Restore on all
drives".. now click on 'Apply'.. you will be asked if it is ok to lose all
restore points.. answer YES to this.. now click on 'OK'

Now to the removal process..

Run a one shot virus remover.. I have found that McAfee Stinger works for
people.. download and run it..

http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/

Another alternative is ..

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp

Finish this process first..

You will also need to download Spyware removal software.. Spybot and Adaware
are available at these websites.. both are free.. download and run them..
don't forget to check for updates after you have started them..

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

.... and this link is for the latest Microsoft helping..

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Spybot has the ability to immunize a system, but there is better for this
function, so download and run Spyware Blaster too.. again, check for
updates..

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/

Time to turn ON System Restore.. this is obviously like turning it OFF, so
just reverse the procedure..

If you have any sense, you will now remove any programs that are known
carriers of all things bad.. some, like Patchou's MessengerPlus can be
installed such that the sponsor software does not get installed with it..
the sponsor software, if left, will re-infect your system immediately it is
run again.. use ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS to un-install and then re-install,
taking care to check the box that gives you the option of NOT accepting the
sponsor crap.. if a program installation process does not allow you to do
this, forget about it.. leave it well alone..

If you have had your Internet browser hijacked, that is to say, you get
redirected through a search engine NOT of your choosing, you will need
different tools..

HijackThis is a popular and effective tool.. download it from here..

http://www.spychecker.com/download/download_hijackthis.html

CWShredder will eliminate CoolWebSearch and variants.. there is a free
download here..

CWShredder.. http://www.intermute.com/spysubtract/cwshredder_download.html

About:blank.. http://www.securiteam.com/securityreviews/5RP0L0UD5U.html

http://www.pchell.com/support/aboutblank.shtml

For other tools in the fight against spyware, visit this website and
bookmark it..

http://www.pchell.com

Mark Hasting has put much work into this site.. it is an invaluable site,
both for reference and fix-its..

You must also run a firewall and anti-virus program.. here are some links
for you..

http://www.mcafee.com
http://www.symantec.com
http://www.zonealarm.com
http://www.kerio.com
http://www.gate.com
http://www.avast.com
http://www.grisoft.com

If you do not run a firewall and anti-virus solution, you are leaving
yourself open to attacks of all kinds.. these two types of program are your
first line of defence..

So by now, your system should be in reasonable shape.. you will have tools
'locked and loaded', ready for weekly use against those who seek to destroy
your pleasure.. incorporate these into a housekeeping policy that includes
running Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup, and you will be able to easily
maintain your system..

Please return to this thread and provide feedback.. it is the only way that
helpers here can determine how effective the advice given has been..

Good luck..

 

[Richard Urban]

When you run "restore" from the e-Machine Restore CD, you will be totally
wiping your hard drive of any - and all - information. If there is anything
you want saved, burn it to CD before you do the restore. You will have the
computer as it was when you opened the box.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Al Smith]

My stepson's computer (eMachine - XP/Home) is so full of games, questionable

downloaded 'utilities,' spyware, etc. that it almost doesn't run. I want to
reinstall Windows from the original eMachine restore disk and put the
legitimate programs back on (have CDs). Do I need to first wipe the C: drive
clean to get rid of all remnants, or just proceed with a restoration? Thanks.

The restore feature takes into account that those who use it are
not very computer savy. It automatically wipes your drive clean in
the process of returning it to its like-new condition.

If you want to be super sure, you can download a program from the
maker of your harddrive that contains a utility that will write
zeros to the entire drive. This returns the drive to the condition
it was in when it left the factory. The Maxtor site has MaxBlast,
and Western Digital has Data Lifeguard Tools. All the drive makers
offer preparation software that will also write zeros to the
drive. You download it and copy it to a floppy, or run it to make
a floppy, and then boot from the floppy disk.