Reinstall Windows 2000 - How do I reformat my hard drive?

Question

If I reinstall Windows will it get rid of viruses that are currently on my computer that I can't find?
It's windows 2000 - I have a popup that keeps coming up that seems to be very aggressive. It is from antispystorm saying I have adware on my computer and do I want to do a scan. I've tried 2 antivirus programs and 3 spyware programs to see if I could catch it, but have been unable. Now my computer runs so slow that it takes 30 minutes to pull up any program.
I'm using Defender Pro antispam, firewall and virus protection. I also have McAfee. I used Spybot and AVG to find the spyware/malware-
I got several answers that said I need to reformat my hard drive. How do I do that?

Answer 1

If your computer is branded: HP, Dell etc, just stick in the quick restore cd that was shipped with it, follow the wizard and you should get to a blue screen that willask whether you want to format the hard disk. If you dont have a quick restore cd, you can use your windows XP cd (or any other OS cd). Stick it in the drive and restart your computer. You will be asked do you want to boot from cd? choose yes and you should eventually get to the blue screen I mentioned earlier. if that doesnt work, the cd drive is probably not the first boot device. to change that, restart your pc and before the OS logo loads, look out for text similar to "enter F8 to enter setup". hitting F* or Del repeatedly before the OS logo loads sometimes does the trick. Goo luck

Answer 2

This is a pretty drastic solution, but one that eventually becomes necessary. I just did it at home a few weeks ago.

First and foremost, make sure you have a backup of all the documents and programs you'll need. Make sure you know how to reinstall all the applications you use. It would really stink to do this task and then not be able to use any of your files because you don't have the Microsoft Word installation disk or some such error.

Now, once you're ready, reboot your PC and get into the ROM setup (this is usually done by pressing the F2 or F8 key during the boot sequence -- it should pop up on you screen which one). Once your there, you need to configure your machine to boot of the CD ROM rather than the hard drive. Once you've done that, insert the Win 2000 installation disk, and reboot your machine. When it boots of the installation disk, it will ask you if you want to install Windows. Say yes. Part of the installation procedure will be to remove the disk partition that contains the current operating system and to recreate a new partition.

If any of this doesn't make sense to you, you might have the required level of experience to do this job, and you should probably get help from someone who does.

Answer 3

Reinstall as a LAST Resort ONLY!!!!!!!!!

back up your files. (the ones that you need and know what they are)
go to microsoft and download the SP's to SP4 (saves time on updates)
collect all your program disks (you will need them to reinstall)
collect information on your drivers (if the installation disk didn't come with your computer)
collect disk for any and all hardware that you have installed on your computer that didn't ship with it
put the installation disk in the cd drive
shut down the computer and restart from cd rom.
basically, follow the instruction on the installation disk.
selecting reformat hard drive in NT format

please try the link below it may clear the BHO from your computer. it is worth a try and it is free.

A BHO is a browser helper it attaches to your browser and it is an option and has permission to be there. this is why a lot of anti-virus programs won't get rid of BHO's same with Adware and Mal ware programs. You had to authorize the program to be a helper to your browser and render most anit programs unable to eliminate it

Answer 4

I included instructions on reformatting your hard drive and reinstalling Windows in my response on your previous thread.

I'm going to include a broad over-view on how to do this:
(1. put your Win2k install/restore CD in the CD drive.
(2. restart your computer
(3. follow the onscreen prompts to begin the reinstall.
(4. when the install process asks what you want to do, choose delete the partition with Windows on it.
(5. recreate the partition (Windows has onscreen instructions).
(6. select the partition and choose a file system (NTFS) then choose to install Win2k to it.
(7. follow the onscreen instructions.
(8. once Windows finishes installing, install your hardware drivers, an anti-virus program, an anti-spyware program, and a firewall immediately. Then run Windows Update.

The exact steps to do this may vary a bit (I did this from memory), but the basic steps should be close enough that if you read the on-screen instructions you should be able to do what you want.

Answer 5

they are right about needing a reformat.. and its easy just wipe all the programs from your add or remove programs till theres nothing left hen go to add or remove windows components and remove all .. then insert the disk after your last reboot,, do the install but you will come to a page that will ask if you want to partition the hard drive there will be 2 options there choose yes this is what removes all the old stored data on the hard drive, then make sure once its all reinstalled that you go to microsoft and get the service packs before installing anything else ( other software and messenger services)

hope this helps

Answer 6

First try a simple thing. In your browser go to; Tools > Internet Options > Clear off line files and cookies if it ask. Close and re-start browser and see if it gone.
Then if this not work; try some of the answers above.
Then you can Re-install Windows2000 as a last resort.
Be sure the computer set to Boot from CD first. Place the Windows2000 CD in the drive and shut down. Re-boot and follow instructions.

Answer 7

I would recommend you Quick Wipe your drive instead of simply formating. Wipe is a destructive process that overwrites and programs and data. I use and recommend Kill Disk on any clean install before you partition and format your drive. It takes about 1 hour per 10gb. Once your drive is wiped boot with your Windows 2000 Pro CD and follow the instruction on screen.

http://www.KillDisk.com/

Answer 8

Use Spyware Doctor to remove that virus. Its the only one that worked for me.

And yes formatting your pc will get rid of it aswell. I do recommened you upgrade to XP though.

Ayways just put your windows CD in your CD Drive, restart your pc, you should be asked to boot from your CD, accept. Follow the instruction to install a fresh copy onf windows. You should be asked to format your hard drive. Just accept and you are on your way.

Answer 9

Send me an email, I'll help you.

[e-mail]