Computer Hope

Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows XP => Topic started by: dylanpaim on March 09, 2006, 08:49:39 AM

Title: Hard Drive Reset
Post by: dylanpaim on March 09, 2006, 08:49:39 AM

Im having a problem wit a rootkit and have tried everything will it still be in my computer if i completely erase it and if not how do i completely erase it to factory defaults i think u have to press an f key at startup or something
thanks for the help

Title: Re: Hard Drive Reset
Post by: SunflowerNetwork on March 09, 2006, 02:47:57 PM

Hi Dylan - you don't provide a lot of information about your system, so I don't have a lot to go on -- but often times computers will come with a "restore" CD-ROM which is bootable, and helps you restore your system to factory defaults. Many times, this includes a reformat feature on the disk. And, since it's a read-only CD, your rootkit won't be able to infect it.

Do you have such a CD?


thanks,
AJ
Sunflower Network
Friendly help for your computer problems. Instantly.
www.sunflowernetwork.com

Title: Re: Hard Drive Reset
Post by: Backdated on March 09, 2006, 05:51:27 PM

Why not just remove the rootkit? There are now quite a few tools available such as F-Secures Blacklight, SysInternals RootkitRevealer and Greatis' UnhackMe.

Virtually any decent AV product should now have provision for dealing with rootkits.

Title: Re: Hard Drive Reset
Post by: Fed on March 09, 2006, 06:56:53 PM

Quote

Im having a problem wit a rootkit

How do you know this?

Title: Re: Hard Drive Reset
Post by: dylanpaim on March 15, 2006, 07:29:43 PM

I am running windows Xp and do not have thedisc needed 2 reset the computer but i know there is a way to reset the computer but i just cant figure it out and thanks 4 all the help people.

P.S Another reason besides the rootkit is because im selling the computer to a member of the family. But thanks 4 the advice anyway

Title: Re: Hard Drive Reset
Post by: dl65 on March 15, 2006, 07:34:25 PM

dylanpaim.......

Quote

but i know there is a way to reset the computer but i just cant figure it out

  ...... Are you refering to using your system restore feature ?

dl65  ::)

Title: Re: Hard Drive Reset
Post by: Backdated on March 15, 2006, 07:37:32 PM

A System Restore wouldn't be a good idea anyway if infections are/were present. If a rootkit is onboard, what else is lurking there.

Title: Re: Hard Drive Reset
Post by: dl65 on March 15, 2006, 07:46:23 PM

LOL ...... I was asking him because , if thats what he was thinking about , hes asking for trouble.

dl65  ::)

Title: Re: Hard Drive Reset
Post by: Backdated on March 15, 2006, 07:55:11 PM

Great minds........ ;) ;D