Clean Install

  • Thread starter Thread starter TheScullster
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TheScullster

Hi all

OK I give up! I've spent the last 2 days trying to get rid of a virus and
want to cut my losses and do a clean re-build.
Has anyone got a link for a procedure which will "no-question-about-it"
ensure that all viruses are removed/formatted out of it to allow a clean
re-build please?

TIA

Phil
 
TheScullster said:
Hi all

OK I give up! I've spent the last 2 days trying to get rid of a virus and
want to cut my losses and do a clean re-build.
Has anyone got a link for a procedure which will "no-question-about-it"
ensure that all viruses are removed/formatted out of it to allow a clean
re-build please?
Click to expand...

If you have an OEM machine (HP, eMachines, Dell) with a restore disk(s)
or partition, refer to its manual for how to return the computer to
factory condition.

Otherwise, see these links:

http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html - Clean Install How-To
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Reinstalling_Windows -
What you will need on-hand


Malke
 
If your PC came with recovery disks or a recovery partition (Dell etc) you
will be able to return your computer back to factory conditions. This will
wipe the hard drive and re-install windows XP. The best thing to do is read
the manual that came with the PC to find out how to restore the PC back to
factory conditions.

If, on the other hand, you purchased a retail copy of XP you will find an
illustrated guide to re-installing XP on my website:
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_install_windows_xp.htm


--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows - Shell/User

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..
 
TheScullster said:
Hi all

OK I give up! I've spent the last 2 days trying to get rid of a virus and
want to cut my losses and do a clean re-build.
Has anyone got a link for a procedure which will "no-question-about-it"
ensure that all viruses are removed/formatted out of it to allow a clean
re-build please?

TIA

Phil
Click to expand...


Formatting the hard drive to solve a virus or spyware problem is
rather like using an axe to trim one's fingernails. Sure, it'll
probably get the job done, but it's rather messy...., and almost always
unnecessary.

However, if that's what you want to do:

After backing up any data you wish to transfer to the new OS
installation, simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be
offered the opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part
of the installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of
boot devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.)

HOW TO Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm

Then the backed up data can be restored and applications re-installed.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot
 
Bruce Chambers said:
Formatting the hard drive to solve a virus or spyware problem is
rather like using an axe to trim one's fingernails. Sure, it'll probably
get the job done, but it's rather messy...., and almost always
unnecessary.

However, if that's what you want to do:

After backing up any data you wish to transfer to the new OS
installation, simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be
offered the opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part
of the installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of boot
devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.)

HOW TO Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm

Then the backed up data can be restored and applications re-installed.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand
Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot
Click to expand...


Good analogy in most virus infection cases. In some cases, a format won't
even do it in the case of a mbr or partition boot area redirect virus. In
cases where some virus may inhabit XP's partition file system, the fix may
take longer than a clean install of XP.
Dave
 
I have thought about that and i have ran all checks and found no spyware or
viruses at all but the problem that i am haveing now is that the installation
program won't let me do a clean install (as in not allowing me to run a new
installation ) it will only let me repair and that just puts me back at
square one. Got any ideas.
 
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