Pc viruses

[Assassin48]

My uncle brought me an old pc that has tons of malware and viruses ( he never used an anti virus).

What i was going to do was wipe the HDD clean then reinstall the os but i guess he has a lot of pictures and files he needs.

So how would i go about deleting all the bad stuff ?

I was going to do a few passes in safe mode with
malwarebytes
superantispyware

i will also try to get him to buy a copy of kaspersky once it gets cleaned out.

i need some suggestions if what i will be doing is right

 

[Deleted member 3]

Just connect the disk to another PC, as long as you don't execute files you're safe. Copy wanted files > wipe.

 

[Mussels]

Just connect the disk to another PC, as long as you don't execute files you're safe. Copy wanted files > wipe.

agreed.

 

[Assassin48]

Can i reuse the key for xp thats on his pc ( pre-built from BB ) ?

 

[Mussels]

yes you can - just remember MS's rule, the key can only be active on one PC at any time. (So its fine to reuse, just dont get greedy and throw it on another machine too)

 

[Deleted member 3]

yes you can - just remember MS's rule, the key can only be active on one PC at any time. (So its fine to reuse, just dont get greedy and throw it on another machine too)

Did it change then? Last time I checked the key was bound to the motherboard.

 

[Assassin48]

yes you can - just remember MS's rule, the key can only be active on one PC at any time. (So its fine to reuse, just dont get greedy and throw it on another machine too)

i might have to call to get it deactivated or will it still work ?

i use win 7 and vista dont like xp too much

 

[Mussels]

Did it change then? Last time I checked the key was bound to the motherboard.

not always. but its going to work on the same machine for sure, anyway.


if it hasnt been reinstalled before, you shouldnt need to call. even if you do, the OS itself will give you the number and details you need, if it fails to activate.

 

[Assassin48]

it sounds like i have a lot of work cut out for me lol

i just have to find my old xp install disk

 

[Mussels]

the best job is to not get viruses in the first place!


anyway, viruses tend to accumulate in C:/windows and other system folders - places that are going to exist on every OS, and general users dont go into.

So long as you only copy data files and not system files, your chance of encountering viruses is low.

Example: his my documents folder and desktop should be fine, but C: windows and the 'program files' folders are best avoided.

 

[Assassin48]

its only a 120gb HDD and i think most of it is adware and other things

might just add another ide HDD so he has extra space

also what about the video drivers, will i need to get them off the mfg website or would they install when i install the os ?

 

[Flyordie]

Just connect the disk to another PC, as long as you don't execute files you're safe. Copy wanted files > wipe.

I have run into VIRUS's (haven't run into spyware or adware ect.. that does it yet).. that replicates itself on every volume on the PC in a hidden folder... be weary.

 

[Deleted member 3]

I have run into VIRUS's (haven't run into spyware or adware ect.. that does it yet).. that replicates itself on every volume on the PC in a hidden folder... be weary.

Which they can't do if their code isn't run. Just connecting a storage device doesn't run any code on it. Apart from autorun of course, if enabled and available.

 

[n-ster]

And later on, use avast! it's served me very well and it's free