When your computer is so full of spyware stuff is it just best to format the harddrive and reinstall the operating system? Opposed to buying $40.00 worth of spyware removal that might not work
2006-07-14 09:59:14 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
The last thing you want to do is reformat. It should be a last resort for a problem. If you have a virus in the boot sector of tje computer that is hiding (icould really get worse with a format and might not even allow you to format). If you have decided that you don't need the data or programs (make sure you have backup disks of your OS, personal data and any other programs *serial numbers/keys* or you could really be into great expense replacing OS, Office programs.
Everything I am going to list here is FREE or they have a FREE trial period on some of the Firewall and disk optimizers.
It is sometimes worth a small investment to purchase some of the great programs. I think of it like this "your time and inconvenience is worth the small expenditures!" Your computers health and longetivity is also worth a few good programs. If you run these programs regularly and take care of your system, you can prolong the systems use for YEARS!
Try some of the online virus scans. Don't use just one, try a few in case one misses it. Then try the following. I really hope it helps you. Good luck!
Heres some easy ways to speed up your computer and keep it safe! Check for problems as well to see what's going on with your XP updates with these programs. Virus's generally attack the anti-virus program you have on your system to remain undetected by your running program. It truly sucks but the checkups will help you with any virus's and spyware now and in the future.
Run the spyware and virus programs. Download system mechanic for the 30 day trial. You will love it!
http://www.iolo.com
It includes a disk defragmenter, drive cleaner, RAM optimizer and so many options it's one of those "gotta have it programs!"
Good luck! For the spyware scan and virus protection free try any of these :
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaw...
http://www.zonealarm.com/
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.ht...
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index...
You can decide what's best for you but they all are wonderful programs!!
Free online virus scans at: http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner......
Find out the memory capacity and add as much RAM as you can. I swear it works wonderfully and being a mom of a bunch of computer literates I understand where you are coming from! email me if I can help more!
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaw...
http://www.zonealarm.com/
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.ht...
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index...
http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner......
http://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/...
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/...
http://www.hal-pc.org/~toner27/antivirus...
http://www.hijack-this.org/
I would also download Firefox browser as it appears from what I am reading Internet Explorer is generating many problems with many systems currently.
http://www.mozilla.org/
These programs will also help you tremendously. Take care when using Hijack this and email the forum if it gets confusing, they are great assisting anyone with a problem. Read the program instructions CAREFULLY and when in doubt email the forum! Don't delete unless you are sure it is something that needs to be deleted in your file system.
2006-07-14 10:27:50 · answer #1 · answered by Carla S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before formatting try downloading spybot search and destroy. it is a free spyware removal software and might get rid of most of your spyware. if it is still infested after using it then think about formating your hard drive.
2006-07-14 17:04:57 · answer #2 · answered by earlsquareling 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Format the harddrive and reinstall.
2006-07-14 17:02:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try the free ones first. Ad-aware from lavasoft.com and Spybot Seek and Destory. After that install Microsoft Defender from Microsoft.com to help guard against future infections. All free.
2006-07-14 17:05:02 · answer #4 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
copy your important files to diskette/cd/dvd, then format and reinstall. not the easiest answer, but guaranteed to get rid of spyware.
2006-07-14 17:11:49 · answer #5 · answered by Special K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you dont have important stuff on it go ahead and reformat . but if you do look for good spyware like spybot ;)
2006-07-14 17:03:43 · answer #6 · answered by PR78 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
back up all documents which you need..and after format and reinstall..
2006-07-14 17:08:35 · answer #7 · answered by © gosha 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Backup what you need first and reinstall.
2006-07-14 17:03:53 · answer #8 · answered by EG345 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's an effective method, but u gonna loose all your data.
2006-07-14 17:03:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋