Do zipped and backed up files contain virus?

[bspkumar]

My PC severely effected by malware.

I am going to reinstall OS .Before that I want to back my files using winzip and windows backup utility.

And I want to restore them back to my PC.

What precautions I have to follow?


I want to learn every aspect of security,any course for that?

These issues  really annoying.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Are you sure you don't want to clean your computer? Do you want to just start over?

It is possible that you might back up the virus itself.

We can help you clean the computer of viruses.

[CBMatt]

Sorry for the long wait.  Things are very busy right now and we're a bit short-staffed, which is causing us to get more behind than usual.  Some recent server issues also contributed to this somewhat.  But we are doing our best to pick up the slack and help everyone out.  If you haven't already taken action, you should follow these steps:
http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,46313.0.html


And to answer your question...yes, a virus can most certainly can survive in compressed archives and backup files.  Many people re-infect themselves because they don't realize this.  Also, simply reinstalling Windows will not get rid of infections.  The symptoms may subside, but the infections will still exist.