I have a external hard drive(f: drive) that I have everything backed up on. It is always connected. Would a virus go from my C: drive to my external hard drive F: or should I leave it unplugged? If it will go is there a way to protect it?
2007-06-06 11:26:26 · 5 answers · asked by mrcarl92807 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
The virus affects the operating system but can be stored in data files, emails attachments, executables, etc.... If you store an infected file on the external drive, the file will be infected, even if you move it to another system. The virus won't do anything though without an operating system to execute to infect.
Unplugging the external drive will only partially protect you. As soon as you connect it, a virus has the potential to spread itself to other files on the disk. Worth noting though is that most viruses tend to focus on the C:\ drive or for the more sophisticated virus it will use the %SYSTEM_HOME% variable (or others) to find where to install.
2007-06-06 11:33:14 · answer #1 · answered by Jim Maryland 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
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2016-08-24 01:59:00 · answer #2 · answered by Delbert 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of these folks are right. Scan first if you can and then back up, and then before you use any of the files on your backup drive, make sure you scan them again. Many viruii mask other viruii from being discovered from anti virus programs. Do NOT under any circumstance try Antivirus 2010. You will just be asking for trouble there. If you can afford to do this you might be ok, remove your infected drive from your system, and using an exteranl case, connect it to another system that does NOT have a virus but has good antivirus software operating and installed. I prefer AVG. It is free for most average users and updates every 4 hours if you set it up right. Then after you connect it, run a scan of your original drive from the donor computer. That should get you going. Beyond that, start your system in safe mode and have a program like hijack this do a scan. Make sure you know what you are doing before you get yourself in too deep. Good luck.
2016-03-13 06:43:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Virus On Hard Drive
2016-12-12 17:31:31 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes any drive can get a virus depending on the virus/worm/trojan that infected the machine. If you have 4 different drives C: D: E: F:, they all can get infected. The virus can even effect other computers on the same network if not properly configured for security and updated with patches.
Install a realtime AV scanner, keep it updated, do not open emails from any unknown sources, practice safe surfing habits. Configure your browsers settings not to allow many things, use Firefox instead of IE. Clear history.
2007-06-06 11:31:50 · answer #5 · answered by wheaton 1 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Even though it is rare these days, there are viruses out there that look for other places to hide. Anti-Virus programs are set by default to scan all local Hard drives external or not. If you keep you anti-virus software up to date you should be safe.
2007-06-06 11:32:25 · answer #6 · answered by Jason K 1 · 3⤊ 1⤋
is that like a new virus? I hope i dont get it> hee hee ! 123 goooooooooooooooo Panthers!
2007-06-08 06:53:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋