Computer Help and Support

LPBBEAR

(533 posts)

12. Some basics

Mon Apr 28, 2025, 01:20 PM

Apr 28

Malware/Viruses can be pretty sophisticated these days. If your anti-virus anti-malware programs can't get rid of whatever is compromising your system you'll have to try a complete reload of the system

1. Backup personal data to a flash drive or some other external storage device.
2. Reload the system using the reload utility provided with your system. Don't try to save anything from the current system. To increase your odds of not reinfecting your system don't choose to save any files. Completely wipe the system and do a fresh factory restore.
3. Once the system is successfully restored scan the system BEFORE doing anything else with it.
4. Assuming the system is clean do a complete thorough scan of all personal data files you backed up earlier on your external storage device BEFORE you restore the files to your computer.

If this process fails don't worry your system is still usable. Sometimes the built in restore utility will fail. In this event you can still find a copy of Windows elsewhere and do a manual reinstall or switch to a version of the Linux operating system and install it.

https://distrowatch.com/

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I have a Trojan. ETA problem solved? [View all] Lasher Apr 27 OP

If you have a full anti-viral anti-malware package on your machine, contact them for help... hlthe2b Apr 27 #1

Malwarebytes is a pretty good option. Free version is good. SheltieLover Apr 27 #2

I just tried System Restore but it didn't work. Lasher Apr 27 #4

Awesome! SheltieLover Apr 27 #5

It's not going well. Lasher Apr 27 #10

Make sure you back up your data, one file at a time, prior to wiping your hard drive & reinstalling windows SheltieLover Apr 27 #11

I had one NJCher Apr 27 #3

Yikes! SheltieLover Apr 27 #8

I just signed up for Webroot's free trial. Lasher Apr 27 #9

If you are still having issues, back data up data & reinstall windows SheltieLover Apr 27 #6

Viruses can embed themselves in system files like root kits SheltieLover Apr 27 #7

Some basics LPBBEAR Apr 28 #12

Disconnect from the Internet before you run Antivirus deep scan. Yellowdog-1966 Apr 29 #13

ETA equals Estimated Time of Arrival? I understand your post but no clue about that acronym or its odd placement. . nt Bernardo de La Paz May 2 #14

edit to add. Lasher May 2 #15

Thanks. I usually write "on edit:" when necessary. . . . nt Bernardo de La Paz May 2 #16