F. Robroek wrote:
(e-mail address removed)
I bought a new computer with XP Home (OEM version). Now,
the computer is infected by a virus and i must reinstall
XP. Can I use the old XP Home (that i get from the
manufacturer)? Will there be any problems with Activating
it? Hoping that someone will come with an answer...
I have seldom seen a situation where it was NECESSARY to reinstall the
system. They do happen, but it is usually NOT because of a virus. Which
virus, perhaps we can just get it cleaned up for you unless you just WANT to
cleanup a bit - sometimes you just want to "clean house", as it were.
As far as activation - you should have no issue - worst case - you MIGHT
have to call to activate.
Also - Keep the machine off the internet until you have logged in and turned
on the XP Firewall at the very least if you do reinstall. There are some
nasty worms/trojans out there that will hit your computer within minutes of
connecting to the internet if not patched and/or behind a firewall.
First - I would try cleaning up the machine as is:
Turn on that firewall...
http://www.microsoft.com/WindowsXP/home/using/howto/homenet/icf.asp
Get rid of the spy/ad/mal-ware:
Spybot Search and Destroy
http://www.safer-networking.org/
Lavasoft AdAware
http://www.lavasoft.de
The Cleaner
http://www.moosoft.com/
Hijack This!
http://mjc1.com/mirror/hjt/
And Assortment of Others:
http://www.merijn.org/downloads.html
(Yes - I am suggesting HIGHLY you run at least the first three.. ALL of
them. In my experience each one can find and kill something the last one
missed. It MAY NOT in your case, but better safe than sorry.)
After you cleanup your PC somewhat of spy/ad/mal-ware, verify your antivirus
software is updated and run a full scan of your computer. If you have no
antivirus software - get one NOW!
http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php
Update your computer regularly:
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
Scan for Updates and at LEAST install the Critical updates.. Monthly -
after the 15th of the month.
Good Luck!
