What is the better way to deal w an virus infected computer?Format the hard disk or use anti virus s.ware?

Answer 1

Reformatting should always be your last resort.

Also, don't turn off your system restore unless you know for sure that the infection is in your restore files. Turning off your system restore deletes *all* of your prior restore points, (and sometimes an infected restore point is better than none at all.) After your system is clean, THEN you turn off system restore, restart, and turn system restore back on. (See the article at my source to see what Microsoft MVPs say about turning off system restore before scanning.)

Blindly telling someone to turn off their system restore without knowing any details of the infection is simply bad advice.

Answer 2

If you have no data worth saving, formatting and reinstalling is a sure thing. This is especially the case if the infection is not simply a virus, but a combination of virus and spyware infections, which are typically delivered together these days to more thoroughly infect computers.

Answer 3

Most viruses can be fixed by using a anti-virus scan. The same for spyware. I would never re-format unless it is a last option. I have never had to do that. I have only had a hand full of viruses in my life. So what programs can you use. Below are a few that I suggest you run to find and fix viruses and spyware.



Free online virus scan. If you don't have a anti-virus program then you can use a free online one to check your computer for viruses.

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
http://www.pandasecurity.com/homeusers/solutions/activescan/
http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/ie.html

A couple of free anti-virus programs can be found at

http://free.grisoft.com/
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html



Now to clean your machine of spyware I suggest 2 programs. Spybot and SuperAntiSpyware. These programs will be most effective if you run them in Safe Mode. On many computer you can get there by repeatedly pressing the F8 key as soon as your computer starts to boot. Then use your arrow keys to select Safe Mode.

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html ---- Don't forget to use the Immunize feature.
http://www.superantispyware.com/download.html

You can also use a program to prevent spyware from being installed in the first place.

Spyware, adware, browser hijackers, and dialers are some of the fastest-growing threats on the Internet today.
By simply browsing to a web page, you could find your computer to be the brand-new host of one of these unwanted fiends!

The most important step you can take is to secure your system. And SpywareBlaster is the most powerful protection program available.

Prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted software. Block spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox. Restrict the actions of potentially unwanted sites in Internet Explorer.
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Answer 4

Assuming you have an up-to-date AV software package... Run a system scan NOW.

Depending on the virus, you may have to reformat the entire system. In any case, again, virus dependant, you may have an expensive doorstop until you can fix the issue.

Find-out the name of the virus and use Google to search for it's description and danger level. Good luck!

Answer 5

By far the best way is to reformat, but it has the downside in that you lose all the data you have accumulated or downloaded onto your computer. It's basically like getting a new computer. I suggest you run your virus protection scan your computer and let it remove the problems. BUT don't stop there, get a good spyware protection program and download it then run that also. Don't stop, get and download a good registry cleaner and run that.
1. Now the best part. Right click on my computer and select properties. click on the restore tab and then check the box TURN OFF RESTORE ON ALL DRIVES.
2. Now restart your computer and bring it up in the safe mode.
3. RE-RUN all your security and protection programs in the safe mode. This will delete virus and other bugs that can restore themselves when you restart your computer.
4. Now restart your computer in the normal mode again. Go back and uncheck your turn off system restore function.

Answer 6

It depends on the kind of virus.

An easy-to-deal virus can be removed by antivirus tools.
Full scanning takes more than an hour on my PC.
Bad-temperd malwares like Vundo(Trojan Horse) need reinstallation, I guess.
You can fix only OS, if you have OS CD/DVD.
You can keep all the data on your PC without buckup.
(Buckuing up recommended)
Reinstallation without formatting takes also more than an hour.

Formaing HDD is the surest way, but final method.

Answer 7

Well, anti-virus software should be able to handle most virus'. If not, it should be able to at least quarantine it. Formatting would be a last resort.

Phur

Answer 8

do both, as quickly as possible. and uninstall the program (if it was with one)

basically delete the stuff that got infected, system restore to a few days ago, then scan the disk to make sure you're O.K.

Answer 9

If you want to spend money and completely remove everything off your drive, buy a new one or reformat. Norton AntiVirus will remove everything with virus'. I reccomend just buying Norton

Answer 10

I use AVG free antivirus software.My computer was infected while using Norton and AVG found two trojans as soon as I installed it.Good luck!!!