Re-formating drive

[Guest]

Due to a possible virus I would like to re-format my drive and re-install
Windows XP.
At the moment however when I reboot the PC with the recovery disk I do not
get any prompt windows (as per intructions) and re-installing XP from the
CDRW drive without re-formating does not appear to cure anything.
I would appreciate therefore if anyone can advise me (in simple laymans
terms) on the best way to format the drive and re-install XP to eliminate any
possible virus infection.
I have already 'backed' up my documents and the PC's configuration is pretty
standard with -
Floppy = a:drive
Hard drive = c:drive
CD drive = d:drive
CDRW drive = e:drive
Removable storage(ie Disgo key) f:drive
I am not particularly familiar with bios/run commands etc but remember it
was fairly straight forward when it was written down for me on a previous
occasion !

Your help is much appreciated - Rob.

 

[T. Waters]

"At the moment however when I reboot the PC with the recovery disk I do not
get any prompt windows (as per instructions)"
Are you rebooting with the disk, or just with the disk in the CD-ROM drive?
By this, I mean, did you change the boot order in the BIOS so that the
computer looks at the CD-ROM first? Just having the disk in the drive may
not be sufficient.
Consult the instructions for your motherboard to find out how to get into
your BIOS and change the boot order, as it varies by manufacturer. Mine has
me press DEL at the black screen; what does your system require?

 

[Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)]

Eos

One does not just format a drive because of a 'possible' virus.. if you have
a virus, you use tools to eliminate it.. if you have spyware, you use tools
to eliminate it.. the following procedure will help you get your computer up
and running, hopefully without having to reformat..

Spyware/Adware/Scumware has become a major player in compromising
computers.. they introduce viruses, trojans and worms.. they attempt to send
out information about you, and they also slow your computer down..



The worst of it is that you probably downloaded the spyware, albeit
inadvertently..



Some basic steps to removing Spyware/Adware..



First step is to 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/



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/



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 hijacker..



http://www.securiteam.com/securityreviews/5RP0L0UD5U.html and

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



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





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..


--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/user

 

[Guest]

If the virus is memory resident you will not get rid of it with a format. Go
to www.antivirus.com and do a free online scan.

 

[John]

If the virus is memory resident you will not get rid of it with a format. Go
to www.antivirus.com and do a free online scan.

"Eos" wrote:

huh?

In the flash BIOS? Possible I suppose but unlikely.

It appears that the op's CD drive isn't in the boot chain but once he
gets it in there I'll bet that turning the power off and then booting
the XP CD for a fresh format and opting for a new install over the old
(MBR is also replaced) would get rid of that sucker.

John