Stupid Computer Question

[Drazus]

How do I reformat my computer? Someone mentioned it before as a way of removing the virus I have on this one. I've gotten all files I need saved, so yeah. Also, what does reformatting even do? At first I thought it just resets your computer to the status when you first bought it, but I'm not sure.

[Czechs Mex]

Re: Stupid Computer Question

I'm not sure but your best bet with problems like that would probably be to call the geek squad. Their at best buy and their number is 1-800-GEEK-SQUAD (convert letters to numbers on your phone).

[IRC]

Re: Stupid Computer Question

Isn't that two too many?

[thetruecoolness]

Re: Stupid Computer Question

Well to reformat you typically will need an OS install disk, or Partition magic, or some other kind of disc that boots itself only off the CD or floppy (and has a formatting utility). Then usually when installing an OS it will ask you if you want to format your HD (or partition if you have your HD partitioned) when you install the OS. So windows will ask you if you want to Format the drive in FAT32 or NTFS. Choose NTFS if you only plan on using windows on your machine, FAT32 otherwise (though NTFS may be supported on *NIX systems now [both write and read] I'm not sure).

What reformatting does is 'erase' the selected partition and leave it completely 'empty'. Why I have those in quotes is it's technically possible for a good hacker, or data recovery company, to be able to recover your old data since all reformatting actually does is erase the file allocation table and master boot sector (MBS). Just like deleting a file in Windows (or any other OS, typically), only removes the pointer to the beginning of the data, and doesn't not actually overwrite the old files data until it needs the space for another file.

So it DOES NOT reset your computer to how it was when you bought it. You have to run whatever Install Disc came with the computer to put all that back on. Also this does not affect the BIOS at all as that is stored in it's own chip on the motherboard and not on the HD.

Also keep in mind that formatting is usually only for one partition on one HD (though of course with some programs you can format multiple at once), but most HDs (especially on store bought systems) only have one partition on them, and one HD.

Oh and that'll be $50 (what geek squad would likely charge you).

[Drazus]

Re: Stupid Computer Question

...Are you talking about Mac OS cause I have Windows.

Meh...

Is there any FREE way to get rid of a virus? Cause that's all I'm trying to do.

[Czechs Mex]

Re: Stupid Computer Question

First I suggest plugging in a different keyboard and mouse to make sure the virus isn't just in one of those. If it still doesn't work you can try video professor, all his stuff is on a free trial basis. I don't know if geek squad is free but their really good at reformatting so it might be worth it anyway.

[Drazus]

Re: Stupid Computer Question

I know for a fact that it's not in the mouse and keyboard. I know where it's at, my virus scanner can find it, but it never removes it.

[Czechs Mex]

Re: Stupid Computer Question

Try new mouse and keyboard just to be safe. DON'T plug them into a different computer though or you might spread the virus.

[Alex]

Re: Stupid Computer Question

Yeah, most viruses today are spread via USB. I wouldn't connect new hardware to your computer until it's been reformatted, either.

Just be careful, and make sure you don't touch the USB connectors directly.

[Chad]

Re: Stupid Computer Question

Find the name of the virus. Search Google.

[Kire]

Re: Stupid Computer Question

I have one too!

I just lost USB recognition for no reason. I the last thing I did was download Gametap because my bf is on a free trial and I wanted to check it out (we abuse free trials). Now, my mouse doesn't work because none of my USB ports are working. Help!

[Valkysas]

Re: Stupid Computer Question

Guys, quit BSing him about USB viruses. (not kire, though)

[thetruecoolness]

Re: Stupid Computer Question

...Are you talking about Mac OS cause I have Windows.

Meh...

Is there any FREE way to get rid of a virus? Cause that's all I'm trying to do.

Umm ... no. I was speaking about OSes in general and giving specific instuctions on what the Windows installer will ask (there are a lot more OSes than just Mac and Windows).

But if you haven't tried Housecall yet I would (it's an online virus scan) http://housecall.trendmicro.com/. Also if your virus scanner knows what type of virus it is you should be able to look it up in their virus encyclopedia for manual removal instructions (though these usually are difficult and involve registry manipulation, worse scenario is you'll have to reformat, what you're already considering).

And formatting is FREE, just you need to have a Windows Install disc, or download one of the many Linux install discs, and just use those to format your harddrive without actually installing the OS (Mandrake is the best choice for this as they have a graphical formatting utility in the installer). The reason you can't reformat while your in Windows is because formatting will 'erase' everything on the drive and Windows is still running and locks certain files which will cause the format to fail. Now before you do this make sure you computer came with a full install disc for Windows (or you can get your hands on one[borrowing one from a friend and then using YOUR CD Key is perfectly legal]). Sadly a lot of premade computer do not come with a Windows full install disc, and therefore screw the user if something major ever happens and a reformat is necessary, and who knows whether they pass the savings on to you from just having to buy a licence instead of an OEM disc. I think it's a stupid practice, but that's why I also build my own computers.

[Patryn]

Re: Stupid Computer Question

AVG is another free virus removal utility.


I will mention one detail that True hasn't explicity said. When you reformat, you MUST have an OS disc or you just created a fancy new brick. If you don't have an original OS disc (and I believe that Window Upgrade discs won't work), you won't be able to do anything.

Reformatting does not reset your computer to factory standards. Any programs that you EVER added (and that includes any programs that came pre-installed) will all have to be reinstalled.

Reformatting is basically nuking your computer. For an experienced user it can be no big deal, but for someone who isn't prepared to do it, it can be a mess.

Oh, and if you DO do a full reformat, make sure that you install in this order: A.)OS B.)Windows Update C.)Virus Software D.)Virus Software Updates and only THEN do you start reinstalling from saved files. Otherwise, there is always the chance that anything you archived may be infected, and bringing it into the new clean install can simply reinfect you.




Oh, and speaking as a former Best Buy worker, the Geek Squad is about the worst tech support in the world. They'll overcharge you horribly and generally do subpar work. If you really want good work, look around at local computer repair shops or ask people about friends. You'll generally end up with a lot more personalized service for a lot cheaper.

[Garr123]

Re: Stupid Computer Question

run, command, format c?

Isn't that pretty much how you do it?