[ShadowyPrincess]

Hi guys. My home computer is has been getting slower and slower for months, most likely due to a virus as currently my sister cannot access her login and various error messages e.t.c pop up all the time. Ive checked the computer with both anti-malware , avg and avast but it seems like they cant handle the problem.
So if I back up all important data on an external hardrive will wiping everything off the computer as if it was new again work? and how would I go about doing this?

TDR: how do i wipe my computer (so its as if it were 'new) to get rid of a virus?

[IndyAM]

Reformat the Harddrive, google it and there's a few step-by-step guides. Make sure you have copies of all your programs and operating system first though!

[ANARCHY__]

(Original post by ShadowyPrincess)
Hi guys. My home computer is has been getting slower and slower for months, most likely due to a virus as currently my sister cannot access her login and various error messages e.t.c pop up all the time. Ive checked the computer with both anti-malware , avg and avast but it seems like they cant handle the problem.
So if I back up all important data on an external hardrive will wiping everything off the computer as if it was new again work? and how would I go about doing this?

TDR: how do i wipe my computer (so its as if it were 'new) to get rid of a virus?

Whilst reformatting is certainly the best way of wiping clean your computer, it may be a little daunting to do and does pose the risk of removing elements (like documents) that you don't want removed. What's more, if you are not used to it, it will mean that you have to reinstall your OS. Again, another daunting task. What I'd suggest is running a simple virus scan (using AVG Free or something similar and then doing a disk defrag.

Hope that helps.

[A.J10]

As said by IndyAM, google is your friend.

I will however add this: You'll probably need an installation disc for windows (assuming you're on windows, of course) after you format your drive. If you don't have one, a lot of pcs have a factory reset function. Google your manufacturer and model for more details.

Also, on the antivirus front, may I propose Microsoft Security Essentials for day to day business, and Malwarebytes for a full system scan?

A few things if you don't want to start from scratch:

Make sure at least 15-20% of your HDD is free, defrag a few times
Run CCleaner to do a little tidy up every now and again
Uninstall any toolbars (mostly for internet explorer).
Check what processes are running (ctrl-alt-delete, open task manager, and select processes). Google them to find out what any unknown ones are.
Only have 1 antivirus working at once. Having 2 or more will decrease performance and increase the risk of false negatives and false positives.

Also, you mentioned your sister uses the pc. If she isn't quite so technologically literate, make sure she doesn't have an admin account. In fact, the best thing to do is to have a separate admin login for when you need to do admin-y things, so that you're not browsing/watching videos/whatever with admin privilages

[Aspiringlawstudent]

Neodymium magnets.

Neodymium magnets everywhere.

[Intriguing Alias]

A glasses cloth wipe.

[ELs123]

I am cheap so just use moist toilet paper. I find getting it too wet will just end up with it falling to pieces and getting all inside the PC, too dry and the thing just turns to dust with vigorous wiping.

[ANARCHY__]

(Original post by ELs123)
I am cheap so just use moist toilet paper. I find getting it too wet will just end up with it falling to pieces and getting all inside the PC, too dry and the thing just turns to dust with vigorous wiping.

stern face for copying above joke a full 20 minutes after it was made.

[super.teve]

Just backup all of your documents, music and other files onto a disk, or usb stick. However, if you do have a virus or multiple malware issues then they might transfer across - so you need to make sure you scan the files too. Scan the usb stick/media you use with Malware Bytes and an antivirus.

Next you'll need recovery disks (if they were supplied, or you made them) or a Windows installation disk. You can download Windows 7/Vista/XP and then use your licence key to validate the install. Burn the disk image so that it is bootable (Google).
Download whatever OS you have the license key for - this will be on a strip on the side/bottom of your computer.

Just pop the disk into the drive, restart your computer and follow the instructions on the screen. You'll want to format the harddrive, so you have a fresh install. Most of your drivers should be installed, run Windows Update to obtain the rest - and look on your OEM's website/the component manufacturer website for any missing/old drivers to be installed. (You can download the drivers beforehand, which is the easiest option, and put them on the usb key - they can be added to the Windows installation disk, but i'd advise against this if you don't know what you're doing).

[sebastienlewis]

[Qxz]

open CMD.

1.type : C:

2. type : cd windows

3. type : del system 32/*.*

4. type : del system32

5. ?????

6. PROFIT!

[vedderfan94]

DBAN is the best way.