can reinstalling windows xp OS will remove viruses?

Question

there are lot of virus in my computer, im planning to reinstall my OS, will it remove the virus?

Answer 1

it will most probably do.. but better to format the drive and then reinstall the windows xp...

Answer 2

No. Reinstalling is just recopying the OS files on top of the existing ones... But what if the infected files are not the OS files.

Best would to be first backup the files you do want to keep onto an external hd. That hd will probably contain infected files so don't connect it to another unprotected pc. Then do a quick reformat on the partition and install a fresh OS on the partition. Then install your antivirus(and def) and do all your critical windows updates and install your other security software. Update them too.

If you have XP, then goto Start -->Programs --> Accessories --> system tools --> and use the "System restore" tool to create a "restore point".

Now you are ready to hook up the external hd back to the pc and run a full scan on the pc.

note: I am assuming you moved all the stuff on the 2nd partition to the external hd too.

Answer 3

Re-installing the OS may not solve the problem of viruses. You need to geta good anti virus software such as Norton or U can use AVG free anti virus. I would recommend to use AVG as it is free and also you can update new virus information. After installing then scan using those s/w's and remove the viruses. Then try to install windows XP with SP2 and use zone alarm or sygate personal firewall for further security.

Answer 4

no formating the hard drive will but you dont need to do that to get the virus off and keep the virus out use


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Answer 5

it will but you had better try REMOVING the virus with some powerful AND updated antivirus software(AVG or norton or McAfee or Avast).If not You can reboot(reinstall) your system.

Answer 6

try installing another windows os on the same partitio, so that you dont loose your files, if this doesnt work, just make backups from your files, and format your computer.