Security after reinstall of O/S upon first Internet connection

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Guest

My computer crashed. After I repartition, reformat and reinstall XP and get
reconnected to Internet, I need to immediately download my security software
(do not have disks). Will I be able to successfully do this before my
computer is mercilessly put out of commission again by spyware and viruses?
I've done it this way before, then ran the security software that I had just
downloaded right away also and did OK. But wouldn't it be safer if I were to
download the software I need from a different PC onto a jump drive and
transfer it to the computer I am fixing BEFORE I reconnect to Internet? Just
how risky would it be now to attempt the download and install of the security
software when signed on without protection? I do have a router, have the SP
II CD and can make a few Windows security changes prior to attempting this.
Looking for feedback. Thank you
 
Not likely you'll run into a problem. Malware isn't roaming around the net
looking for victims, the user usually has to initiate the install in one way
or another, either by installing infected freeware, visiting a driveby
website, and so on.
 
Lyrical17 said:
My computer crashed. After I repartition, reformat and reinstall XP and
get
reconnected to Internet, I need to immediately download my security
software
(do not have disks). Will I be able to successfully do this before my
computer is mercilessly put out of commission again by spyware and
viruses?
I've done it this way before, then ran the security software that I had
just
downloaded right away also and did OK. But wouldn't it be safer if I were
to
download the software I need from a different PC onto a jump drive and
transfer it to the computer I am fixing BEFORE I reconnect to Internet?
Just
how risky would it be now to attempt the download and install of the
security
software when signed on without protection? I do have a router, have the
SP
II CD and can make a few Windows security changes prior to attempting
this.
Looking for feedback. Thank you
Click to expand...

Install SP2 via the CD before you connect - that will automatically fire up
the Windows Firewall. That should be OK to then get all the other updates.
 
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