Removing spyware, malware and other viruses

  • Thread starter Thread starter the_best_of_fools
  • Start date Start date
T

the_best_of_fools

Hi,

Will reinstalling WindowsXP from the CD get rid of all spyware, malware and
other viruses?

I seem to have a recuring trojan (cannot remove with Windows Defender). The
file is named Hiloti.gen!A

Any idea?

Thanks,
Ben
 
By re-installing you mean by formatting the drive and then installing the OS then
the answer is Yes
 
That's my preferred method of cleaning infection.

- Shutdown the PC
- Boot from WinXP Setup CD
- Go thru XP setup wizard to delete all existing partitions
- Create a new partition
- Format it and install OS

Make sure the PC isn't connected to any network/internet while reinstalling
the OS.

When you're done reinstalling, be sure WinXP firewall is enabled. Get
Service Pack 3 from microsoft.com. Then install the latest post SP3 patches.

That's a lot of work but guaranteed that you'll have a clean system.
 
John said:
That's my preferred method of cleaning infection.

- Shutdown the PC
- Boot from WinXP Setup CD
- Go thru XP setup wizard to delete all existing partitions
- Create a new partition
- Format it and install OS

Make sure the PC isn't connected to any network/internet while
reinstalling the OS.

When you're done reinstalling, be sure WinXP firewall is enabled. Get
Service Pack 3 from microsoft.com. Then install the latest post SP3
patches.

That's a lot of work but guaranteed that you'll have a clean system.
Click to expand...

I'd reinstall AV software and update it before worrying about any service
packs!
 
Some AV software may check OS service pack level and won't install unless
the SP is there. Besides, AV might interfere with updates if installed
first.

I've picked up a habit of installing OS related updates (SP + post SP
patches) before installing any other software.
 
John said:
Some AV software may check OS service pack level and won't install unless
the SP is there. Besides, AV might interfere with updates if installed
first.

I've picked up a habit of installing OS related updates (SP + post SP
patches) before installing any other software.
Click to expand...

I can't argue with that, but I think it'd be a better practice to have the
service pack(s) on CD and ready to install. Going online without AV
protection is just begging for trouble.
 
the_best_of_fools said:
Hi,

Will reinstalling Windows XP from the CD get rid of all malware?

I seem to have a recurring Trojan (cannot remove with Windows Defender). The
file is named Hiloti.gen!A

Any idea?

Thanks,
Ben
Click to expand...

Try this download. You burn the image to a blank CD then boot the
infected machine to it; it clears out the malware without Windows
running so the malware can't get control. This is software from Avira.

http://forums.techarena.in/tips-tweaks/1157825.htm

Just download the .exe rather than the ISO.
 
Looks like I got rid of the trojan (with Malwarebytes) but the onboard
ethernet controller still isn't working. I must of gotten infected with
something worst. For some reason I still cannot install or uninstall the
drivers for all entries under the device manager. See post
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/...ca5-deb65e20754b&cat=&lang=en&cr=US&sloc=&p=1

I bought a PCI ethernet card and will install it after I clean reinstall the
OS in the morning. That should get me back on the internet fast.

Thanks for your help.
Ben
 

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