whats the safest way to erase everything from my computer?

Question

my computer has so many infected files that i was told that everything had to go and be reloaded so how do i do that and when its done do i just load the discs over again dell sent me all new discs do i just use them?

ok not helping i need to know how to do all of that i dont know anything about computers i pretty much need a walkthrough

Answer 1

system restore through the OS is not going to save the PC, if the viruses have gotten that bad, then they are most likely infecting system files. Your best bet is to insert you system restore CD and reboot, you will have to reinstall you OS through the System restore CD. Follow the directions and you should be fine. After that I would pick up some Anti virus software, Norton 2007 is great also windows live 1 care works wonders too. at the very least download AVG free if your short on cash.

Answer 2

What operating system are you running? I'm assuming XP.

If this is a Dell, they sent you something called a recovery disk when you bought the computer. This will pretty much do everything for you, you just have to get it to boot when you start your computer. It may be that your computer is already set to do this, although this may not be the case.

You can easily set it by accessing the bios menu when your computer is starting up. Normally when you start up there is a screen that flashes that will tell you how to access the bios. If you are using a Dell Dimension you press F2 (keep pressing it as soon as you start your computer so you make sure you catch it on the boot). See http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm if you don't have a Dimension.

Now you are in the BIOS, here you can change the boot sequence. To do this find Boot Sequence and hit enter. Then change it so that CD-ROM appears at the top of the list (normally scroll to where CD-ROM is and press the + key).

Now you can exit BIOS, saving changes. It will ask, exit and save? Press Y for yes. Now it will reboot and read from the CD-ROM first.

The recovery disk should do the rest with a little prompting from you. For example, it may ask, should I boot from the CD or windows, and you pick the option for CD. It may also say, should I repair or reformat? Select reformat. It will do this and then start installing windows, you just need to click through the prompts and then you are done.

Answer 3

Two years ago I went through a similar situation with my PC. Dell was under warranty and had me reinstall the system. It crashed again in less than six months. It turned out the music videos my wife used placed virus"s on our unit.
I utilized and purchased Norton Anit-Virus to no effect. What to do? I am going to tell you what I did to rid myself of these problems without the DownLoading Solution:
1. Do the System Restore to the date you used the computer for the second time.
2. Go to CNET.Com for for Free Downloads.
3. Download the following Programs
AVG
AntiVir
AdAware
Spy Bot
4. Once downloaded run each and every program. This will take a few hours to do.
5. Set the AVG and AntiVir to auto scan
6. Set your yahoo toolbar to include the Norton Spyware.
7. WEEKLY run all these programs manually. Also run
the system disc cleaner and defram.
8. Put the Adaware, Avg, and AntiVir on your desktop.
9. Run C.Cleaner from CNET then erase.

Dell tried to tell me that I had to reprogram my computer some sixteen months ago. I took these steps and repaired my computer in hours. Since then I have not had a single problem. The Avg and AntiVir provide constant protection against virus invasions. Best they are free. At 6am AVG scans and repairs any virus. At Noon AntiVir scans again. Both provide automated updates to virus info.

To crash or restart your computer is a serious step that not need be taken. I implore you to take these steps before you embark on such a mission.

Answer 4

Trying to recover might work for a time. But if your system is as bad as what you indicate, Reload it using the Dell discs. It will clean it up and performance will be restored. Be sure to save critical files (Word docs) and if possible, export address books and your Explorer favorites so you can import them on the new install.

Corrupt files? Stay away from those free downloads, update anti-virus often, be sure Windows updates are installed and visit only reputable web sites.

Answer 5

If you are talking virus' then I would get a really good virus software and let it work. If you are beyond that point then run a systen restore with the discs that Dell sent you. The first one will start your reload. Then when you are done get a really good virus program and keep it updated. I would recommend Mcfee.

Good Luck

Answer 6

Restore it to its condition when you purchased it and just to be safe get rid of everything. Do you have a recovery disk? The system restore feature, only restores your system to the condition it was in at your last boot. That doesn't help you if the infected programs and files have been there for awhile...

But even if you do that... Anyone that knows anything about computers can still detect anything as far as deleted programs go, and even re infect your system if they know your ISP and personal information.

You should remove your current spyware and firewall programs, and buy & install totally new one's, new brands and everything. Just keep away from Norton... it is a memory hog and makes your system slow as sh*it! Go out and get yourself a new proxy to hide behind.

Consider yourself compromised! That's what you get for using Sharebear and Limewire...

Answer 7

You shouldn't have to do that. Try a system restore to reset your computer to an earlier state. If you're on XP, you can launch system restore from the home page for the Windows Help and Support documentation, included in your computer, under the Start button.

The following are restored when you use System Restore to restore your system to a previous time using a restore point:

Registry
Profiles (local only—roaming user profiles not impacted by restore)
COM+ DB
WFP.dll cache
WMI DB
IIS Metabase
Files type which are monitored by System Restore as specified in the SDK available from http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en-us/sr/sr/monitored_file_extensions.asp.

The following are not restored by System Restore:

DRM settings
Passwords in the SAM hive.
WPA settings (Windows authentication information is not restored)
Specific directories/files listed in the Monitored File Extensions list in the System Restore section of the Platform SDK e.g. 'My Documents' folder.
Any file types not monitored by System Restore like personal data files e.g. .doc, .jpg, .txt etc.
Items listed in both Filesnottobackup and KeysnottoRestore (hklm->system->controlset001->control->backuprestore->filesnottobackup and keysnottorestore) in the registry.
User-created data stored in the user profile
Contents of redirected folders

Answer 8

just format your computer and install it with the windows xp CD that was given to you to do so and install it in way that is described in the website below if you would like to prevent future problems

Answer 9

safest way is a low level format.

boot in to dos and format.

-or-

find out what make and model your hard drive is and go to their site and find a low level format tool or disk

Answer 10

format your drive then reinstall everything that easiest way. but safe you files first then before you put it backt to your freshly installed os clean it first if uncleanable just delete it.