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Just re-install operating system? [CLOSED]


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#1
kauinca

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Hi, a few weeks ago a new hard drive was installed. My son went all over the internet looking up favorite actors, movies, games, etc... while I was gone for a week. So far I have found two viruses, I know there is tons of spyware, everything is a mess. You know the drill... <_< I have tried to clean this mess up, but it is taking so long, and I haven't accomplished a lot, and due to a recent eye procedure I can't spend too much time on the computer. Because nothing much had been installed on the hard drive, just the operating system (ME) and the stock batch of programs, dsl, a couple of files and pictures, etc... as well as a tiny bit of tweeking on my part to start getting it to a better state than stock - LOL. I'm thinking I'd be better off just formatting the hard drive and reinstalling everything rather than dealing with this mess. Will doing so eleminate all the garbage that a week's worth of surfing trash has loaded in my system? Or is it possible something could be so embedded it would just come back?

Also, upon reinstalation, what are the very first things I should do to keep my computer safe? (prefer free!) I had my old hard drive in pretty good shape, and in all the years had only had one (detected) virus.

Thank you so much in advance!
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#2
admin

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There are some stubborn viruses that only a low level format will get rid of, but the vast majority will be removed with a simple reformat and reinstall, as will all spyware.

You definatley antivirus software. Norton Antivirus is very good, or there are some free alternatives here

As far as keeping your spyware off your system, keep your Windows updated, and try Spyblaster and IESpyad, read more in
this post
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#3
kauinca

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Thanks!!!!
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#4
Kat

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Due to lack of feedback, this topic has been closed.

If you need this topic reopened, please contact a staff member. This applies only to the original topic starter. Everyone else please begin a New Topic.
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