Is it possible to install spyware that stays after replacing a hard drive?

Question

I am just wondering if there are other places spyware can be installed, so that even if you replace your hard drive, the bad guys can just reinstall it and get back to hacking your PC. I had a bad case of spyware/hacking and then my hard drive failed, and now I am paranoid after getting a new hard drive. I now have a good firewall and anti-virus/anti-spyware programs recommended by a techie friend and I am just really paranoid.

Answer 1

There isn't anywhere else for a computer to store info than on a hard drive. If you have two drives, you can install on the other. You can back up to disk or a USB drive, but if you only have the one hard drive, you will need to reinstall. It sounds like you have covered your bases to the best of your ability. Just run your virus and spyware checks regularly and if they are updated often (most programs have a regular connection with the internet to download updates,) you will be as protected as humanly possible.

Answer 2

Spyware is usually installed when you visit websites that give it out, or visit websites that make popups and the popups give it out. So if you visit one site regularly and thats where the string of spyware is coming from, when you replace the hard drive the next time you visit that site then boom goes the spyware again. When you replace a hard drive IMMEDIATELY install Lavasoft AdAware SE. It's a gift from God, that program.

Answer 3

I don't think so. Plus these so called "bad guys" can't re-install anything. Any spyware infection is caused by the user. You have no reason to be paranoid if you have a secure, updated operating system with the right software to protect it.

Answer 4

There is nowhere else to go when the computer shuts down. In theory, a virus could insert something in cmos (which survives powerdowns) butv there's not much free to work with. I fix computers, and I have never seen or heard of virus/spyware that survives reformatting or a disk transplant.

Answer 5

No. Just make sure that you have your computer disconnected from the internet while you install Windows again and get your firewall and anti-virus/spyware installed. Once installed go immediately to windows update and installed all critical updates. Then update your antivirus signatures and spyware definitions.

I would also suggest switching to the firefox browser at http://www.mozilla.com and use that as your default browser.

Answer 6

As long as you have only one HD, the answer is no, WITH THE EXCEPTION that you MAY have copied something to a CD or DVD.

I just spent $500 to recover my PC after accepting a website address from a "friend" who turned out to be very very wrong about it place. The year 2006 was predicted to be the year of the virus and it is proving to be such.

Answer 7

Most likely they used a program changed your win32 file there is noway to kill a hard drive on a spy ware or virus for that matter even worst case you may lose dl. files but to kill hard drive impossible. anyway you need to focus on what you did to get this program in your computer in first place . and stay away from who ever did this. which sounds like a registry error . did you throw that hard drive away .? there is alot sites can bring it back up just need more details on what happen etc... look in google search for what it says etc if you want to full with bringing it back.

Answer 8

well since all of the information that computer handles is stored on hard drive-- then if you replace the hard drive -- you will replace the info- and you spyware is gone

Answer 9

Every thing on the computer is stored on the hard drive.

Answer 10

possible