Will reinstalling my os and reformatting my hard drive eliminate all or any virus i may have?
2006-12-02 13:45:47 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Viruses differ in thier type of attack, and how they spread.
So re-installing the OS will stop some, but MOST viruses will stay on the hard drive, and start to reinfect once you re-install.
Your best bet is to reformat. BUT make sure that you don't do a QUICK format. Also make sure you reformat ALL the drives in the computer. Its like killing termites... sort of pointless to call them in for the basement.. and totally ignore the attic. You have to cover everywhere.
However its better to take a step back. Your BEST bet is to get a GOOD piece of virus software. Have it identify which virus(es) you have. And then check out symantec's virus database and look to see how to remove them. MOST can be surgically removed by removing the correct files... without the drastic need of reformatting the whole thing.
I've only ever come across one worm that needed a full reformat.
2006-12-02 13:57:47 · answer #1 · answered by Vanchaser 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the type of virus/trojan/worm you have. It can actually attach itsself to your RAM(random access memory), which in that case it will still be there when you reinstall your OS. First you have to find the type of virus you have then research it to see what it does to your computer. then you can go from there. If it just attached itself to your files, then do a complete format on C: and reinstall the OS. If the virus has attached itsself to the RAM them you may need to replace the RAM and do a complete format (erase) on drive C: at the same time.
PS. If you do not have the complete OS on cd, there is no was that everything will be erased prior to reinstalling OS, because for example you have a Dell/EMachine or some other name brand that only came with a restore disk/cd. There will be a problem, because your computer keeps files in another area to access if you need to restore. If this happens then you will only reinfect your computer.
GOOD LUCK!!!!!
2006-12-02 13:50:17 · answer #2 · answered by tdakpj 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes reinstalling the OS will get rid of any virus but you will loose all your saved stuff so if your computer came with a restore CD use that.
2006-12-02 14:19:05 · answer #3 · answered by Next Bill Gates 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not unless u reformat the hard drive before installing the OS anew
2006-12-02 13:47:15 · answer #4 · answered by spacemann_spiffff 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reformatting will remove a virus in most cases, unless the boot sector and programs are affected with the virus. In this case you need a new disk. Some also hide in CD/DVD/Floppy disks
2006-12-02 13:48:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anathema-Wrath 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as long as you format they all should be erased.
If you just put the OS CD without formating to reinstall it should be still there.
A virus is a mellicious script or a program. When you format and erase the program and scripts should be gone.
Format as in erase the hard drive completey first.
2006-12-02 13:47:12 · answer #6 · answered by Explorer.exe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you just reinstall it, no it wont. that will only overwrite windows files, but leave 3'rd party files alone. programs and viruses both fit that catagory.
You will have to do a complete reformat. be sure you back all your pics, music, and things you want to keep first.
good luck
2006-12-02 13:49:18 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you have to reformat the drive to get rid of viruses because just reinstalling it wont work.next time invest in an antivirus program it will help you!
2006-12-02 13:48:32 · answer #8 · answered by emmabugg 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep! You must format, and partion the drive first. Viruses are simply malicious destructive software.
2006-12-02 13:56:10 · answer #9 · answered by yu.gota.go 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes and it will delete all your data too. Back-up first!
2006-12-02 13:48:32 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋