my pc is infected, does reformatting my winXP solve my problem?

Question

if i reformat my win XP, do i still need a bootable CD? (i already have my winXP installer CD).and what is the bootable CD for?pls help me with the step-by-step process on reformatting. i am new at this and knows little about computers.thanks!

Answer 1

If you insert your XP install disc and then restrat your computer it will automatically format your computer and erase your problem (and all of your other stuff too).

Answer 2

If your XP CD is original / copy of original its bootable. Sometimes ppl use pirated CDs that too not bootable which has only i386 installation folder.

You can put the CD and boot from CD (sometimes you need to change to this option in BIOS if already not set). The XP installation will begin, and after the step to press F8 it will show your current partitions. You can select to format the partitions there.

Formating will definitely destroy your virus. But thats not a permamnent solution. If you continue like this virus will again attack your system. So after re-installing XP, make your system safe by installing a good antivirus. Also install Service Pack2 if its not there in your XP CD and do regular updates from Microsoft. And take care when you surf the Net.

Answer 3

If you reformat you will (maybe) destroy the virus, but also any valuable information that has not been backed up already.

My advice would be to buy a strong antivirus package. Ask for one that can be used to boot the computer so that you don't need to lose anything and explain your problem in detail when asking about packages.

It should be possible to get an antivirus that will not only boot the computer for you in an emergency like this, but also clean or quarantine any infected files.

Once the virus infection has been dealt with you will be able to boot normally once more.

Answer 4

Yes, it will solve the problems, and you don't need a Bootable CD, because you said you already had a Windows XP Installer CD. Unless the CD you had had a bad bootable sector, so then, you do need a bootable disk.

Answer 5

Sometimes, system restore and the Norton GoBack can solve the problem but mostly is not. If you are using WindowsXP and still under in service pack 1(sp1), try to update into service pack 2(sp2). If still doesnt work, Just try to download or purchase an Anti-virus program to fix/repair or clean the infected file and/or even delete the virus. If the virus is un-repairable, then you can't do anything about it but to re-format and install a new or fresh copy of the operating system. Backup your important files in your hard disk then start formatting your computer.

Answer 6

Ok if your pc is infected I recommend just using an adware remover, anti virus software, and a spyware remover
but if you already tried that or you want to just reformat....here are the options
all the files that are on your computer that you want to save and not lose...make sure you save them on a cd or disk or send them to yourself through email.
next reformat/reinstall you windows xp
you can do this when you turn your computer on you can click i believe F4 but it will tell you what to click to reinstall...if not you may find a CD that came with your computer that is to reinstall (u dont need this however)
may take around 30-45 minutes to reinstall your whole system but it wont be infected anymore
this is just a short answer to help...if you want step by step email me at: [e-mail]

Answer 7

No your xp cd is bootable just put it in the drive and restart your computer and do a full/clean install with format. very easy but you will lose all of your music etc. doing this.

Answer 8

yes it does
you do this off line and you need the windows 98 disk

you basically go to the control panel to add or remove programs and uninstall everything it may get stuck and want to reboot a lot put persist till theres nothing but windows98 left and uninstall it turn off the pc
get the disk ready and turn on the pc hitting f8 till it comes up in safe mode run in safe mode while inserting the disk follow thru to the end it will ask if you want to repartition the hard drive )yes(
when its loaded take out the disk and reinsert it this loads windows now you should be ready to get back online
goto microsoft.com and get the download for service pack II

Answer 9

yes your computer is rebootable. but some computers have different booting prossess so if i where to help you i would need to know what kind of computer you have.