unistalling windows on my lap top?

Question

i have got issues with my lap top some how i have a virus that is effecting my computer, i have tried a system restore and the problem is still their and i would like to know how to uninstall windows without going into windows and into control panel as the computer keeps rebooting every 15 sec's or so.

Answer 1

Does it reboot 15 seconds after you boot into Windows, or 15 seconds after you actually turn on your computer?

Case 1: After booting into Windows

You'll need to use an XP Recovery CD.

http://www.5starsupport.com/tutorial/xp-recovery-cd.htm gives a good guide on how to make one (legally). You can also buy one from eBay.

Search Google for " XP Recovery CD" for more detailed information.


Case 2: After booting into Windows

You probably have a boot sector virus, which is simply a virus that has infected the small amount of code that instructs your computer how to boot up properly.

Red up on it here:

http://antivirus.about.com/od/securitytips/a/bootsectorvirus.htm

I've had similar issues, (not a virus, but a boot sector issue), and I simply popped in the computer's repair CD, which had an option to "Restore MBR". I think you can also restore the MBR using the XP Recovery CD I mentioned before.

Answer 2

You can download ccleaner for free here: http://bit.ly/1Bk5V5C

First open CCleaner
Go to the Cleaner tab and you will be confronted by a very confusing lineup of checkboxes.
To make this brief, below is my recommended setup:
Under internet explorer check temporary internet files, cookies, and last download location. Most users don't really need this stuff. keep history and bookmarks unchecked, history is a maybe, but you don't want to lose bookmarked sites. You can normally leave Windows Explorer, System, and Advanced alone.
Run CCleaner and it will start deleting files.
afterward it will present you with a list of the files deleted, you really don't need to go through it as it will be several pages long.
The registry cleaner is recommended for slightly more advanced users. Use it after uninstalling programs as they will often leave behind incorrect registry entries.
If you decide to run Registry cleaner then review the items detected and always back up the registry (I keep a folder aside for this)
The Tools tab lets you uninstall programs and set startup programs. Why do you need this if Windows has all of these features? Especially with Vista Home Ed. The windows defender software explorer( startup programs) doesn't pick up some entries (however software explorer is easier to use).
Using CCleaner to uninstall programs and then check for leftover registry entries takes less time.
Under Options you can determine how CCleaner cleans your files. I leave this alone.

Answer 3

mwuh huh hah hah heeeegghghgh *chokes*. You're gonna be online, and offline, for a LONG time.

"upgrading" to Vista, perchance? I have some pins you could stick in your eyes instead. More fun.

PS the "safe mode" guy is right - but if it's a virus don't uninstall windows. Get on a clean computer and google for the virus behaviour (or name) that you have. You will find a solution, possibly a download. You might even solve it by installing a fresh, up to date scanner and running that on the thing in "safe mode". Do that instead of uninstalling windows.

Answer 4

Sounds like you have boot sector virus which won't go away with a Windows restore. You need to boot from a proper Windows CD or a DOS formatted CD (or floppy if your laptop has one) with FDISK.EXE on it. Run FDISK /MBR to re-write the disk master boot record.

Answer 5

You could just get a new hard drive.