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Solve : Best way to reinstall OS? |
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Answer» Hi, I've had problems with Trojan viruses on my computer (Dell Inspiron 1300). A system restore seemed to fix it but I was warned not to access my bank account online until I had wiped the hard disk. I was told recently that I could copy the OS onto recordable CDs prior to wiping the hard drive and that it would be a far easier process than using the discs that came with the computer. Is this the best thing to do?It is the best thing (and most convenient thing) to do for many reasons, including backing up software and driver installs. However, you want to make sure that you do not make an image of your computer while you have any viruses. If your computer is already infected and you are contemplating a full hard drive wipe followed by an install, you should use the install discs that shipped with your PC. Quote from: Ismenia on September 14, 2011, 10:20:52 AM A system restore seemed to fix it but I was warned not to access my bank account online until I had wiped the hard disk. If the system restore image was made before any signs of malware cropped up, all should be fine; but seeing that the situation involves something as confidential as a bank account, you should probably wipe your hard drive (after backing up all necessary documents.)I would never trust an image made from an infected MACHINE... What apps did you run to clean it out ? ? To be on the safe side i'd visit our Virus and Malware section ...follow the Guide for posting your LOGS and see if they can sort you thru it with a clean bill of health...only at that point would i consider a drive image as the way to go... A bit time consuming ...but worth it nonetheless...If you DO decide to start from the beginning, do the following: 1) Boot to the OS cd. Choose the option to delete existing partition(s) and then recreate the partition(s). Format, and then install the OS 2) Install all drivers starting with the chipset driver. 3) Install a good AV 4) Download and install all Windows software updates (never install hw or diver updates from Windows Update - those should only and always be installed from the OEM WEBSITES). 5) Install disc imaging software (Acronis True Image if you want to pay, Macrium Reflect if you don't) and create an image to a second hd or cd.Thanks for your help guys. Since I'm doing this for peace of mind re my bank accounts etc. I suppose I should use the INSTALLATION CDs. Quote from: patio on September 14, 2011, 12:25:20 PM I would never trust an image made from an infected machine... I have AVG and Malware destroyer. Once the system restore was done they did not register any viruses. The friends who advised me not to assume that the virus was gone are both a bit paranoid but I prefer that approach to a complacent one when it comes to things like bank details. When it comes to wiping the hard disk some online guides say to use DBAN. Is this necessary/preferable to using the OS's own methods. I'm not planning to get rid of the computer so I am not concerned about removing all trace of personal data.Quote from: Ismenia on September 15, 2011, 04:03:25 AM If you have government secrets you need to delete, perhaps. Otherwise no. |
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