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General discussion

formatting to rid all viruses?

Feb 21, 2004 12:54AM PST

after having some windows problems then compounded by virus issues i decided its time to start fresh. will a simple disk format and complete new install of xp pro followed by all current updates rid all virus issues?

Discussion is locked

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Re:formatting to rid all viruses?
Feb 21, 2004 1:04AM PST

I'll write no.

The stock install of XP will become re-infected with MS Blaster, Nachi, Welchia or other moments after connecting to the internet. Installing an Antivirus doesn't stop these worms.

And for most, this is how you would get the update.

A far easier choice is to fix the issue and remove the virus/worm/trojan/pest/spyware/adaware/other or in a grander term PARASITES.

You can reinstall the OS, but for most, you just end up back at the beginning, but with more headaches as you chase down drivers for motherboard, USB, video, cameras, printers, and what else?

Bob

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Re:Re:formatting to rid all viruses?
Feb 22, 2004 11:21AM PST

A qucik way to stop all of this when you have a system that is open to them is to just put a fire wall on, notrons or zone alarm pro will stop them qucik and fast,letting you to go get your updates with the hassel of "you get the worm again" omg.....> with out the fire wall, your just a sitting duck anyways, for what ever!......> good luck

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Maybe, Maybe Not
Feb 21, 2004 1:05AM PST

If any of those viruses were MBR viruses, then a format and reinstall won't get rid of them. They have been fairly rare as of late, probably because it's a lot easier to just make a mass mailing email worm to exploit Outlook (Express) in VBScript compared to writing some fairly complicated assembly code.

To be absolutely sure, you'll want to run an fdisk /mbr and rebuild your partition table before formatting.

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Whether you decide to or not . . .
Feb 21, 2004 3:32AM PST
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Re:formatting to rid all viruses?
Feb 22, 2004 11:05AM PST

formatting is a quick and fast way of fixing it from some virus and spy ware, if you dont know how to remove the virus, as to even hand pick them out, most virus are really very easy to remove if you know the os your in, and its fileing System, but if you don't then yes a quick format does make it fast and easy to just refreash it all.....> Good Luck
IAJA Anti Virus Coalition Team

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Re:formatting to rid all viruses?
Feb 22, 2004 11:14AM PST

do a complete format of hard drive and reinstall windows you start with a clean machine but try getting a virus checker .a very good free one is avg from www.grisoft .com

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Re:formatting to rid all viruses?
Feb 22, 2004 9:52PM PST

You should be able to remove viruses using McAfee?s Avert Stinger virus removal tool. You are a perfect candidate for McAfee VirusScan, an excellent anti-virus program, and I strongly recommend you purchase and install it or some other good anti-virus program . Avert Stinger is available at the following website:

http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp?id=stinger

McAfee AVERT Stinger
Stinger is a stand-alone utility used to detect and remove specific viruses. It is not a substitute for full anti-virus protection, but rather a tool to assist administrators and users when dealing with an infected system. Stinger utilizes next generation scan engine technology, including process scanning, digitally signed DAT files, and scan performance optimizations.

This version of Stinger includes detection for all known variants, as of February 18, 2004.

LoL

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Re:Re:formatting to rid all viruses?
Feb 22, 2004 9:55PM PST

I should have indicated that McAfee Avert is a
FREE download.