i know if i format my drive it will erase the data i have in it all of them, but will it also erase worms, viruses, and other ''i dont want stuff''
2007-11-19 02:19:09 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Some viruses or root kits may survive a simple format.
Your hard drive contains a file allocation table. This is a map of where all of the data is stored on the drive.
When you delete a file, its file allocation table entry is all that is deleted, the data still remains on the drive.
When you format a drive, all you are really doing is clearing the file allocation table. All of the data on the drive is still there.
Some root kits may be able to hide from this.
A better solution would be to wipe the drive instead of formatting. When you wipe a drive, the wipe program writes random characters to all locations on the drive, including the file allocation table, then repeats for a set amount of times.
I use Darik's Boot and Nuke for this. Download and create the disk in a known clean, virus free, computer.
Boot your PC using this disk and follow the on-screen instructions.
Follow the link below to download this free program.
2007-11-19 02:27:31 · answer #1 · answered by Mad Jack 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to Bleeping Computer. I had trouble with my computer and after running all their programs, the trouble was gone! It is a free service just takes awhile to download everything but you will be free of everything and still keep your data! Took me about 3 hours on my computer, your's may run faster or slower but it sure beats losing all information by doing a format! Good luck.
2007-11-19 02:29:20 · answer #2 · answered by suzb49 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course if you re format your drive it will delete all data and get rid of any virus that might be around on the drive.
2007-11-19 02:22:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it gets rid of everything, just like having a completely new drive so back up your data first. But think seriously before you do it if you do not have your program CDs to re-install.
2007-11-19 02:31:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. It should, but there are so called 'root kit' programs. I have never tested to see if a reformat will get rid of these. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rootkit
2007-11-19 02:23:01 · answer #5 · answered by Cirric 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋