Recently, I found my PC to have a lot of spyware and worms, etc. So, instead of using the anti viral software to clean up the PC, I decided to reformat it with my XP.
However, less than a day later, I found the same problem affecting my PC again. This was before I could install any fire wall or anti viral programmes. When I check with my anti viral software, I found my PC contain the same spyware, worms, virus, etc.
All these problems only happen recently. I never had such a problem with these virus before.
So, the question is, can the CDs I used to format my PC, be infected with virus at some point when I used them? How can it be possible for my PC be reinfected so soon and by the same virus? Likewise, how can it be possible the CDs such as my Windows XP come with virus? I mean, these viruses come in only recently.
2007-05-12 16:23:48 · 5 answers · asked by Street Smart 4 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
a virus could potentially infect a blank disc, however if you are using the original XP CD then the virus could not come off of it. Try disconnecting your computer from the internet while installing the operating system. Then install your anti virus if you have it, connect to the internet for a short period of time to update the o.s. and the anti virus program. If you have backed up your data, ensure the virus is not on in by scanning it following the update of your security system. make sure you have waited about a day after the virus initially came in to run a scan of it. to prevent issues like this in the future, ensure system restore is turned on. and use Microsoft's free antispyware program, it automatically creates system checkpoints.
2007-05-12 16:36:43 · answer #1 · answered by Adam S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make sure when you reinstall your windows, not to be connected to the internet with your cable. Especially if you are using something other than a modem.
I ran across this problem on several occassions when reloading windows.
The best option is to load a program called "search and destroy" which checks for viruses, trogans and spyware programs.
Borrowed copies of software usually tend to have infections from other peoples computer systems.
2007-05-13 19:48:45 · answer #2 · answered by Lee P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're using a legit Windows CD after format, no, it can't have viruses in it. If it's a pirated copy, it's possible, but unlikely.
What I suggest after format and reinstall is to run Windows Update right away, DON'T go to any other websites. Then download Mozilla Firefox and make it your main browser. Then get a Firewall like ZoneAlarm or Kerio Personal Firewall (free), and finally get an antivirus program like AVG (free).
2007-05-12 23:33:56 · answer #3 · answered by the_synista 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you sure you did format it? if you did format it everything will be gone, wiped out.
make sure when you reinstall your windows you didnt choose 'repair windows' because all that does is restore original windows files it doesn't not erase virus or personal files off the harddrive.
continue install it on same partition, and it will have option for you to choose quick format NTFS.
unless you have other network component or system within your network that's infected.
i honstly think you didnt do it correctly the first time you try in reinstall your windows.
hope this helps
2007-05-12 23:41:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It cannot infect the CD unless it is a CD used to backup data. I would try a format again and Delete the partition and recreate it (In the XP Setup Utility)
2007-05-12 23:28:13 · answer #5 · answered by K-Disk.com 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
only if the CD contains files that you backed up and those files were infected... format the computer again and reinstall window. i wouldnt do a quick format.
!~Tim~!
2007-05-12 23:32:12 · answer #6 · answered by Tim C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋