Reinstall Windows-System Recovery CD

  • Thread starter Thread starter AuntieCarrot
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A

AuntieCarrot

I'm attempting to repair and/or fix my hard drive by
reinstalling Windows XP. I have not found a virus, but
several key files are missing and I'm unable to use my
firewall or system restore features. If I reinstall
Windows with the System Recovery CD, is it possible to "re-
infect" my machine with document files or internet
favorites that I've backed up and would like to use again
after the re-install? Thanks for any help you can provide.
 
"If I reinstall Windows with the System Recovery CD, is it possible to
"re-infect" my machine with document files or internet favorites that I've
backed up and would like to use again after the re-install?"

If the documents are infected with viruses, absolutely yes. If the favorites
direct you to web sites that are a source of viruses, absolutely yes.
 
How will I be able to protect from re-infection? Will a
virus or interent security software "catch" that?
 
Do you know about antivirus software? You use it to scan files for viruses
before you allow them on your computer.
 
Yes, I do know about antivirus and internet security
software from Symantec/Norton which is the program I'll be
using, but it seemed pointless to use it before I execute
a "repair" by reinstalling Windows XP. In fact I even
thought I might not have to reinstall windows if the new
service pack II "repairs" or fixes my problem. But in the
meantime I keep wondering if it would do any good to run
the antivirus software before I reinstall. As you can
tell, I'm a little nervous about reformating my hard
drive. I want to make sure I'm not creating more problems
before I execute the repair.
 
If you suspect that one or more of your documents may be infected with a
virus, why WOULDN'T you scan them all for viruses before restoring them to
your hard disk?

Service Pack 2 adds new features to Windows, particularly security features.
It does not "repair" problems that exist currently on your computer.

If you are unfamiliar with the procedures for reinstalling Windows, and if
you're not sure whether you even need to reinstall Windows to fix whatever
problem(s) you have, that is a sign that you should bring your computer to a
professional who can diagnose and repair your problem(s), including
reinstalling Windows if that is necessary.
 
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