2007-12-07 03:27:11 · 13 answers · asked by Riza m 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
Why take such drastic measures - just get rid of it yourself:
Download, update and run a full scan using the following product:
http://www.superantispyware.com/
SuperAntiSpyware is exceptional and will remove the majority of difficult Trojans and Worms, not just the easy ones.
If possible it is recommended that you load the application in normal mode but run it in Safe Mode. Safe Mode can be started by continually pressing F8 during the boot sequence. However, if you are badly infected you might need to run SuperAntiSpyware more than once to help clean your system. If the only infections now being shown are in System Restore, once you are completely satisfied that you can boot normally, you can either delete the infected restore points manually, or temporarily turn off System Restore.
In addition download, update & run Avira. Unlike a lot of the free antivirus applications this will give you real time protection and is very quick to load at boot up.
http://www.avira.com
Assuming you have some real awkward infections and the suggestions above failed to totally clean your system I suggest you download a Smitfraud removal program from:
http://www.afterdawn.com/software/desktop_software/desktop_security/smitfraudfix.cfm
Again if possible run in Safe Mode.
Be advised that some infections will corrupt or disable your resident security products so for completeness I have listed a couple of online scans that may help you get started:
Panda - http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/Ac...
Trend - http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
Good luck & safe surfing.
wdw
2007-12-07 03:36:59 · answer #1 · answered by Who Dares Wins 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely, and that's my preferred method of virus removal. Personally, I think trying to remove some viruses is more of a hassle than just wiping everything clean and starting anew. Plus this is the only way you can be certain you have removed any malware on your machine and Windows just works better when it's wiped clean every year or so.
And yeah, you need to back up any important data, but that's really not that tough. Get a flash drive; a 2GB model can be had for under $40 and its a great thing to have in general. Copy any important documents and what not to the flash drive and you're done.
I would also recommend repartitioning your hard disk when you format to make 2 partitions. Make your Windows partition 20-30GB or so and make a second partition taking of the rest of the disk. From then on, keep all your documents and such on the second partition and not the Windows partition. That way, the next time you feel the need to format, you don't need to do much backing up; just format the Windows partition, reinstall Windows, and all of your data will still be there.
I guess I've done so many fresh OS installs I just don't see it as that big of a deal.
2007-12-07 04:00:08 · answer #2 · answered by limaxray 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those are both very good programs. Picking one as better over the other can simply be users choice. Norton has a higher overall detection and removal rate. But Kaspersky has better proactive protection. If picking between Norton anti-virus and Kaspersky anti-virus it's a very close call. If picking between the Internet Security Suites then Norton would be my pick. Norton's ease of use and smart firewall are hard to beat. It also does a better job with rootkits. Kaspersky Internet Security has a great feature which allows you to run a program like your browser in a sandbox. Very strong protection when browsing the internet. If you use it. Norton also runs lighter than Kaspersky. Both of those programs are very good. Pick the one that has more time on the subscription
2016-05-22 00:25:03 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course you can reformat you hard drive and it will do away with any viruses you might have.
Of course it will do away with ALL your data too.
Try AVG ----it's a free antivirus program from -I believe from GRISOFT and run it on your pc.
Trend or Panda might help too.
It's probably better if you just get a good antivirus program like Norton, Bit defender and others --the run from about $40 to $80 dollars and are good for a year.
Of course some cable and other ISPs provide you with free antivirus protection.
You should probably try those option first before wiping out your data and starting over from scratch.
good luck.
2007-12-07 03:34:37 · answer #4 · answered by kejjer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, just make sure to reformat the disk first to remove any viruses. You could also try just a search for the virus and delete it. This will work sometimes, but some viruses will clone themself other places on your drive, so removing one file may not fix it.
2007-12-07 03:31:06 · answer #5 · answered by computer doctor 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Physically it is possible but It depends on how important your info is on your hard disk. Is the trade off of reformatting and re-installing the OS worth the AV headache? I'd check the security blogs and boards and other places b4 you do that.
2007-12-07 03:33:06 · answer #6 · answered by tigerblitz54 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you reformat your drive, make sure you have files you need
from it and have the backup cd's to reinstall your software.
If you reformat it, it will wipe it clean.
2007-12-07 03:31:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe you have to treat it, it will remain in your system dormant for a bit...reformat after treating it. I have not had this particular virus, but I've had some pretty bad ones before and I had to treat them...
2007-12-07 03:30:31 · answer #8 · answered by Nothing 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Sure you can, that's a little drastic but it will get rid of the virus guaranteed.
2007-12-07 03:31:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reformating removes all data, and wipes your disc clean, so the answer is yes.
2007-12-07 03:31:08 · answer #10 · answered by What I Say 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋