Computer Hope

Software => Computer viruses and spyware => Topic started by: Glitterng on September 14, 2011, 08:35:40 AM

Title: Would replacing a hard drive remove the virus?
Post by: Glitterng on September 14, 2011, 08:35:40 AM

I received a 2002 HP desktop with XP as the OS.  It was free, so the price was right. LOL  However, it seems to have a virus that I can't get rid of.  Would replacing the hard drive get rid of the problem, or is the virus stored in the RAM some how?  I've replaced hard drives in desk tops before so this wouldn't be difficult for me, and spending $80 for a desktop that works and does what I need it to do would be great!  Thanks for your input!

Title: Re: Would replacing a hard drive remove the virus?
Post by: Salmon Trout on September 14, 2011, 08:54:46 AM

Nothing is stored in RAM when the power is off. You could just format the drive using a Windows CD and re-install.

Title: Re: Would replacing a hard drive remove the virus?
Post by: Allan on September 14, 2011, 12:32:21 PM

Actually you should delete the existing partition, then format, then reinstall. This will take care of any virus in the boot sector / mbr.

Title: Re: Would replacing a hard drive remove the virus?
Post by: Salmon Trout on September 14, 2011, 12:47:42 PM

Quote from: Allan on September 14, 2011, 12:32:21 PM

Actually you should delete the existing partition, then format, then reinstall. This will take care of any virus in the boot sector / mbr.

Good catch, Allan!

Title: Re: Would replacing a hard drive remove the virus?
Post by: PC_CHICK on September 21, 2011, 08:14:31 PM

That like having brain surgery for a routine headache...

Title: Re: Would replacing a hard drive remove the virus?
Post by: Geek-9pm on September 21, 2011, 08:31:26 PM

The first notion should be a virus scan from a bookable CD
Google "rescue CD and find:
Kaspersky Rescue CD
BitDefender Rescue CD
F-Secure Rescue CD
Avira Antivir Rescue Disk
Trinity Rescue Kit CD
Shardana Antivirus Rescue Disc Utility
Dr Web Live Bootable Antivirus CD
..and maybe others

I like the Alvira. But all are good. After it is done thou should be able to scan your drive with more conventional scanners to beat out the last  vestige.

You can download the ISO and burn the disc and do the scan in about the same times it takes to install Windows. Worth a try!