I wish to reformat my computer. I have alot of spyware due to friends and family -_- and I cannot get rid of it with any programs I have tried. So I decided it would be best to start with a clean slate and keep them off of my pc. I have windows xp pro installed right now and I want to reformat with windows xp pro again. How would I go about doing this? And also is it a good thing to do?
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Reformatting
- Thread starter Gunji
- Start date
I bet you can clean that system completely without reformatting:
. Download the trial of WebRoot SpySweeper: Install and run it.
. Download the ttrial of Ewido Scanner: Install and run it.
. Do an online antivirus scan: Trend Micro or Panda would be good choices:
. Check your work with HijackThis! (see faq link below)
. Follow with AdAware and SpyBot (see faq linke below)
. See faq608-4650
. Install SpyWare Blaster - freeware When your trial period runs out for SpySweeper.
. Download the trial of WebRoot SpySweeper: Install and run it.
. Download the ttrial of Ewido Scanner: Install and run it.
. Do an online antivirus scan: Trend Micro or Panda would be good choices:
. Check your work with HijackThis! (see faq link below)
. Follow with AdAware and SpyBot (see faq linke below)
. See faq608-4650
. Install SpyWare Blaster - freeware When your trial period runs out for SpySweeper.
packdragon
IS-IT--Management
With all the malicious things that some Spyware can do, yes I think it is a good thing to do. Some Windows CDs are bootable. This will make things easier on you. To see if your CD is bootable, make sure your PC is set to check the CD drive before your hard drive during bootup. If it boots to a plain text menu with Windows installation options, then you have a bootable CD. If it just skips your CD and boots up from your hard drive, then the Cd probably isn't bootable and you will need to have a set of boot floppies.
You can download this from
During the installation process you will be asked if you want repair Windows or if you want to install to a different folder. You want a completely clean install, so you want to delete the partition and recreate it, then have it format the partition. This will give you the fresh new start you want.
After you get everything back the way you want, if you plan on sharing your computer with family and friends again you'll want to take a few precautions. There's anti-spyware software that will may help prevent spyware infections. Spybot Search & Destroy has an "Immunize" feature that is supposed to help block spyware installation from occuring in the first place. I've read some good things about Pest Patrol as well, but I have never used that one.
Good luck!
- Zoe, that's ZOH-EEE, get it right please
- Just a little ol' MCP at Solien Technology
-
You can download this from
During the installation process you will be asked if you want repair Windows or if you want to install to a different folder. You want a completely clean install, so you want to delete the partition and recreate it, then have it format the partition. This will give you the fresh new start you want.
After you get everything back the way you want, if you plan on sharing your computer with family and friends again you'll want to take a few precautions. There's anti-spyware software that will may help prevent spyware infections. Spybot Search & Destroy has an "Immunize" feature that is supposed to help block spyware installation from occuring in the first place. I've read some good things about Pest Patrol as well, but I have never used that one.
Good luck!
- Zoe, that's ZOH-EEE, get it right please
- Just a little ol' MCP at Solien Technology
-
And also is it a good thing to do?" In your circumstances, yes, and if you include the SP2 update it may be a real benefit.
HOW TO: Partition and Format a Hard Disk in Windows XP (Q313348)
Read the paragraph,
"How to Partition and Format Your Hard Disk by Using Windows XP Setup."
For more help (shows enlargeable screenshots) go here.
Slipstream Service Packs
thread779-900263
Set your surfing user up as a Limited User so "nasties" can't do major damage to your system.
These following sites are general security sites which will help you with some security ideas.
Beginners Guides: Spyware Protection and Removal
This is an 8 page article but worth the read.
Here's one from CERT, the Carnegie-Mellon Software Engineering Institute.
Microsoft TechNet Security - Columns
HOW TO: Partition and Format a Hard Disk in Windows XP (Q313348)
Read the paragraph,
"How to Partition and Format Your Hard Disk by Using Windows XP Setup."
For more help (shows enlargeable screenshots) go here.
Slipstream Service Packs
thread779-900263
Set your surfing user up as a Limited User so "nasties" can't do major damage to your system.
These following sites are general security sites which will help you with some security ideas.
Beginners Guides: Spyware Protection and Removal
This is an 8 page article but worth the read.
Here's one from CERT, the Carnegie-Mellon Software Engineering Institute.
Microsoft TechNet Security - Columns
- Thread starter
- #5
packdragon
IS-IT--Management
Ah yes, linney has an excellent point that I forgot. Definitely install all the latest patches and service packs after you get your OS reinstalled. You should do this before you install anything else!
- Zoe, that's ZOH-EEE, get it right please
- Just a little ol' MCP at Solien Technology
-
- Zoe, that's ZOH-EEE, get it right please
- Just a little ol' MCP at Solien Technology
-
Create accounts for your family and friends that do not have administrator rights. Power User at most. While that may not stop all spyware, it can only help ... maybe. Of course, that means if they want to install programs, they'll be coming to you.
- Status
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