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How do I "clear" this PC?
Friday, 13 January, 2006
I have Windows 2000 and recently had three viruses on it
Dial.a.1, small.bb and dldr.startpage.
Services do not load correctly now. I've updated with patches and SP4. The machine restarts the screen as it finishes loading and does not show the system tray programs. The restart of screen stops with me loading ZoneAlarm manually. Then I can use machine normally. starting Antivirus before going on the web.
Doug Fowler, Baulkham Hills, NSW
 You had a virus infection, Trojan attack, and/or Spyware. Whatever tools you used to remove them have either failed to properly remove them, or have broken some other settings.
The best solution now is a clean install of Windows. It's much quicker and much more successful than trying to fix a badly broken system.
- Back up all data files (including documents, spreadsheets, databases, photos, and so on.)
- Make a note of all important settings for configuring Windows, networking, internet connections, etc.
- Find the original disks for Windows and all programs.
- Find all the driver disks for all peripherals, video cards and so on.
- Disconnect the computer from the network and Internet.
- Reformat the hard disk.
- Install Windows
- Install Antivirus software
- Install firewall software
- Connect to the Internet. Get the latest updates for Windows, your Antivirus software and firewall.
- Get the latest updates for all drivers.
- Install your programs. Get the latest updates for each.
- Reload the data files.
. John Hepworth
 Reader solutions
Dave SargentPosted: 18/01/2006 re: How do I I have to agree with John, The best way out of this problem is a clean install of your operating system. Now we all understand what a job this is, and it can be quite daunting to the unexperienced but there is a first time for everything. Personnally, I would not trust any file currently on the system. Unless you absoloutly cannot get by without a specific file, Trash everything and start again. Many viruses now have the ability to hide thenselves in the strangest of places. It was once said that you cannot place a virus into a .jpeg and we all know the status of that myth. Reformat the entire drive, especially if you have several logical drives on the same physical drive, then reinstall the operating system. Then install your mainboard software, then your drivers. When you can access the Internet, update all relevant drivers and service packs and make sure you have the latest definition files for all anti-virus and malware programs. Once this is done, do a complete scan of the entire system to ensure that it really is clean and to ensure that you have not inadvertantly reinstalled a virus.
We all know how much trouble this is, I have done this job several times over the years and it never gets any easier or quicker. This job on my machine takes on average 5 to 7 hours which is the price we pay for having everything installed on the one machine ( cameras, capture cards, burners and the software that allows me to control and operate my home security system and home automation system ).. The things we do !!!!!
Have Fun !!!!
Dave Sargent.. MikePPosted: 16/01/2006 re: How do I When you restore your data remember to scan it for viruses first. It can make a person quite emotional if they have backed up an infected file and very carefully restored that infection after rebuilding the PC. |