How do I wipe Windows XP with a virus on it?

Question

Here's the dilemma. I have the restore disc but can't seem to get it running on the disc when I start it up. Now I happen to have a virus on the comp that automatically restarts the computer after about a minute I log in. Is there something I can do during startup or am I really just screwed?

I really just want to wipe Windows clean.

Answer 1

Hi Kyle,

I work in the information security field, and I recommend that any computer that has been infected by a virus should be completely reinstalled from scratch. If you have a Windows XP install cd, you can just run it, and when you get to the format options, have it delete all existing partitions, and then create new ones, and format with NTFS.

If you're really paranoid, like me, I recommend you perform a DoD wipe on the drive to eliminate all data, including the boot sector. I use a copy of gDisk, and it works well, though slowly. Note: gDisk is the name of a few different software products. gDisk is owned by Symantec now, and I don't believe it's free.

But, "DBAN" is also a DoD wiping tool which is open-source. You simply download the .iso image file, write it to a floppy, cd, or other bootable media, stick it in and boot. When it's done, you'll have a completely clean hard drive on which to install XP. Here's a link to the DBAN website: http://dban.sourceforge.net/

Now, if you don't have an XP install CD, you're up a creek. You need to get XP somehow. I know a lot of PC manufacturers don't include the XP cd. Another option is to switch to Linux and give it a shot. :-)

Answer 2

Well
CCleaner is the best tool on the market to clean up your pc. Download here http://j.mp/UrADbE
I strongly recommend it.
Have a nice day

Answer 3

Personally, I wouldn't have uninstall or format as my first choice.

I would suggest you go into Safe Mode and run your antivirus program.

Restart.
Then go for Windows Repair:

WindowsXP System Restore – excellent link – explains with graphics
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx

WindowsXP Repair Explained
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/options_to_use_when_a_system_will_not_start.mspx?mfr=true

WindowsXP Repair Tools
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm#How%20to%20Repair%20Windows%20XP%20by%20Installing%20Over%20top%20of%20Existing%20Setup:

http://www.download-download-this.com/4.html?OVRAW=Windows%20Installer%20corrupted&OVKEY=window%20installer&OVMTC=advanced

Fix and/or Repair Windows
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_install.htm
http://www.onsitechicago.com/support/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=23&nav=0

Answer 4

well the first suggestion would be to try an online scan for viruses. You can use Mcafee onlnie scan. If you want to format here is a good link to check out
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313348

Answer 5

put cd in the cd-rom, reboot, make sure it boots off the cd, it should run you through the windows xp set up, if it dosnt boot from cd you need to go into your system bios (hit f1, del, or soemthing while computer is bootsing) and change it to boot off cd befor booting off hard drive

Answer 6

umm it does seem like a nasty virus, and you could be screwed for life man.....my advice:
go to you local computer repair shop they should be able to do both things of course for a cost....