PC format question

swanseamale47

swanseamale47

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wayne clarke
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I had a virus problem recently and had to format the PC using the option on the windows disk, however I'm told that doesn't actually format all the disk (and I think I still have a virus issue, slow running odd behaviour etc ) I'm pretty sure it's in the boot sector.
Can anybody tell me if it does or doesn't wipe the boot sector, and if not whats a better way of totally wiping it
Thanks. Wayne
 
swanseamale47 said:
I had a virus problem recently and had to format the PC using the option on the windows disk, however I'm told that doesn't actually format all the disk (and I think I still have a virus issue, slow running odd behaviour etc ) I'm pretty sure it's in the boot sector.
Can anybody tell me if it does or doesn't wipe the boot sector, and if not whats a better way of totally wiping it
Thanks. Wayne
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It rewrites the catalogue, which is the index for the drive. If things are not in the catalogue then they are not normally able to be seen. In most cases this QUICK reformat would be absolutely fine. It is this quick format that is easy to recover stuff from though because most of the original stuff will be there somewhere if you have the software to find it.
 
Rather than just the standard format, delete the partition and then re-create it. That should cure it.


But beware, it will totally wipe all files.
 
Woblee said:
Rather than just the standard format, delete the partition and then re-create it. That should cure it.


But beware, it will totally wipe all files.
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No it wont, it will do no more than a quick format unless you delete the partition, recreate it then do a full format BUT doing a full format without deleting the partition would be the same!
 
cowasaki said:
No it wont, it will do no more than a quick format unless you delete the partition, recreate it then do a full format BUT doing a full format without deleting the partition would be the same!
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I thought when you have re-created a partition it does a full format automatically, before the disc can be used.

Mind you I'm usually on auto-pilot so I may have missed the individual steps :thinking:
 
Woblee said:
I thought when you have re-created a partition it does a full format automatically, before the disc can be used.

Mind you I'm usually on auto-pilot so I may have missed the individual steps :thinking:
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You still get to chose but it is OS dependant
 
It's about a year since it was last formatted (maybe just over although the pc's a few year old) and I did a full format rather than the qucik one, but I didn't delete the partition.
Somebody suggested putting the dive in another pc and overwritting the drive with something to "kill" whatevers hidden, but I have my suspicians that this idea still wouldn't overwrite the boot sector?
Thanks Wayne
 
swanseamale47 said:
It's about a year since it was last formatted (maybe just over although the pc's a few year old) and I did a full format rather than the qucik one, but I didn't delete the partition.
Somebody suggested putting the dive in another pc and overwritting the drive with something to "kill" whatevers hidden, but I have my suspicians that this idea still wouldn't overwrite the boot sector?
Thanks Wayne
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most anti virus software has an option to create a boot disc. The boot disc will deal with a boot sector virus. The idea is that you boot from the cd and it will then check for you. If you do not have an anti virus boot disc then create one on someone elses computer to avoid the slim chance that it could he affected. AVG is free but not sure if it has this option as I don't require AV software.
 
swanseamale47 said:
It's about a year since it was last formatted (maybe just over although the pc's a few year old) and I did a full format rather than the qucik one, but I didn't delete the partition.
Somebody suggested putting the dive in another pc and overwritting the drive with something to "kill" whatevers hidden, but I have my suspicians that this idea still wouldn't overwrite the boot sector?
Thanks Wayne
Click to expand...

If you suspect there is a virus on the drive, putting it in another PC is madness.

Buy a new drive.
 
swanseamale47 said:
It's about a year since it was last formatted (maybe just over although the pc's a few year old) and I did a full format rather than the qucik one, but I didn't delete the partition.
Somebody suggested putting the dive in another pc and overwritting the drive with something to "kill" whatevers hidden, but I have my suspicians that this idea still wouldn't overwrite the boot sector?
Thanks Wayne
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"Killing" the drive means just that.
Generally it is used to stop people retrieving your data.
It renders your drive unusable.

I would suggest downloading Malawarebytes (free) and see what it finds.
 
If you use "System Mechanic" then you can make a "Drive Medic Recovery CD"

This runs from DOS and starts up when you boot your PC.

It contains a program called "drive Scrubber" which totally wipes a Hard Drive and restores it to "as new" condition.

But if you use this - BE CAREFUL - NO DATA (OR VIRUSES ETC) SURVIVES!
 
even a 'full format' does not destroy the data contained on the drive - it merely rewrites the file table, flagging the space as being available for writing to - quick format also does this, but on the fly instead of at the time of the format (hence the speed difference of the 2) - either way, files are still very recoverable, until you overwrite them with something else.
 
neil_g said:
not really.. most viruses/trojans run via the windows startup procedure. unless you manually go and find the file and then run it you wont transfer the infection.
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I think the most important word there is "most". Yes, most virii may run that way, but what if this one doesn't?

Just my opinion of course, but I wouldn't be doing it.
 
OutLore said:
I think the most important word there is "most". Yes, most virii may run that way, but what if this one doesn't?

Just my opinion of course, but I wouldn't be doing it.
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well in all my years working on computers ive never once had a USB stick or external drive get infected by a virus from plugging it in to a dirty system while transfering/backing up files.

personally it wouldnt worry me and to answer the OPs question, a standard format will do the job.
 
This is the sort of thing you could use Hirens Boot CD for... Lots of utilities to format/erase & fix boot records.
 
neil_g said:
well in all my years working on computers ive never once had a USB stick or external drive get infected by a virus from plugging it in to a dirty system while transfering/backing up files.

personally it wouldnt worry me and to answer the OPs question, a standard format will do the job.
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I guess you've been lucky then :thumbs:
 
wow, I'm amazed by the amount of scaremongering people listen to! Although I suppose its understandable to err on the side of caution.

Ok, some facts (in normal non-techy-geek-speak!)

A virus is just a program that deliberately corrupts your pc and once embedded is difficult to repair, therefore, a fresh install is easily the best solution.

The USB flash drive issue - although are unlikely to see any adverse effects on a USB drive, that doesn't mean to say you can't transfer an infected file from one pc to another. Its possible.

The standard installation doesn't erase all the old data. Think of a hard drive like a filing cabinet, formatting the drive merely pulls the labels off the files inside, and when a file has no label the information contained is liable to be discarded and new information can be stored in its place (but until this happens the old data just lies redundant). Now, this old data is completely harmless as without the labels in places its unable to do its dirty business! That said, the standard format will be fine, but you will need to format ALL of the hard drive.

If you really want to go to town.... and you absolutely should do this if you are planning to sell your computer... download a free program called KILLDISK. Its extremely simple and effective, it will change all the binary code (OK, OK, I know this is a little bit techy, but binary code is just ones and zeros, no sweat!) into zeros. This will ruthlessly kill EVERYTHING in your hard drive allowing you to re-install your operating system.

Incidentally, even with OEM copies of Windows (which is what you will have if you got a disk when you bought the pc), you can fresh install as many times as you like on the same pc, even after upgrading processors, memory, etc, etc. Just don't change the motherboard!

Finally, a little note on data recovery.... these work by filtering into the filing cabinet files and restoring any labels that got removed. So when you delete a pic of you in your superman pj's, it will remain in your hard drive until something else gets written over it. Thats why its essential to run killdisk on your hard drive before selling a pc, so some nosey person can't see you in your pj's (or steal your email login, bank details, passwords, etc, etc)

Oh, and absolutely finally..... never run two Anti virus programs on one pc. You will end up with a scenario which is a bit like having your son asking for a packet of sweets citing that "mummy said it was ok" then asking his mum for a can of pop citing that "daddy said it was ok." The viruses can play one off the other and get through, so one good anti virus program is better than two!
 
hughes_jh said:
wow, I'm amazed by the amount of scaremongering people listen to! Although I suppose its understandable to err on the side of caution.
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indeed. its not like a cold, a virus doesnt automatically infect anything that touches an infected system. that only happens in films.

The USB flash drive issue - although are unlikely to see any adverse effects on a USB drive, that doesn't mean to say you can't transfer an infected file from one pc to another. Its possible.
Click to expand...

yup entirely possible. however most viruses install themselves in program files/windows/temporarily internet files. youd be daft to be copying files out of there onto another system though.

Incidentally, even with OEM copies of Windows (which is what you will have if you got a disk when you bought the pc), you can fresh install as many times as you like on the same pc, even after upgrading processors, memory, etc, etc. Just don't change the motherboard!
Click to expand...

mind you MS are incredibly leaniant (cant spell it) and you can phone them up and theyll let you reactivate.

Oh, and absolutely finally..... never run two Anti virus programs on one pc. You will end up with a scenario which is a bit like having your son asking for a packet of sweets citing that "mummy said it was ok" then asking his mum for a can of pop citing that "daddy said it was ok." The viruses can play one off the other and get through, so one good anti virus program is better than two!
Click to expand...

:thumbs:
 
Chaz Photos said:
Apart from running slow what makes you think you have a virus?
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It's running much slower than it should, even with the fresh install it's slower than it was with a ton of programs on it before the virus problem. Windows IE (which I'll admit is crap) is crashing all the time, virtually ever time it opens, I'm getting the odd pop up etc, it's just not right. :'(
 
hughes_jh said:
Incidentally, even with OEM copies of Windows (which is what you will have if you got a disk when you bought the pc), you can fresh install as many times as you like on the same pc, even after upgrading processors, memory, etc, etc. Just don't change the motherboard!
Click to expand...

I have NEVER had a problem with OEM versions of Windows transferring them from virtual computers to computers I have built to different computers I have built, over to a laptop and back again! You can totally change every component and if it complains just click on activate by phone and follow the instructions. I had a HP OEM version of XP on my main Windows multi boot computer that has been moved dozens of times.
 
swanseamale47 said:
It's running much slower than it should, even with the fresh install it's slower than it was with a ton of programs on it before the virus problem. Windows IE (which I'll admit is crap) is crashing all the time, virtually ever time it opens, I'm getting the odd pop up etc, it's just not right. :'(
Click to expand...

Often this can happen after a fresh install if you have not installed all the drivers and updates. Particularly the video driver! I had this happen over xmas whilst re-installing one of my machines. Just make sure they are all up to date.
 
cowasaki said:
I have NEVER had a problem with OEM versions of Windows transferring them from virtual computers to computers I have built to different computers I have built, over to a laptop and back again! You can totally change every component and if it complains just click on activate by phone and follow the instructions. I had a HP OEM version of XP on my main Windows multi boot computer that has been moved dozens of times.
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Well done. Of course I forgot to put a note to say that cowasaki is the greatest man on earth that can do as he pleases.
I just tried to help out here by stating facts, and the facts according to microsoft are;
"An upgrade of the motherboard is considered to result in a 'new personal computer' to which Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred from another computer. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created and the license of new operating system software is required."

I know this doesn't apply to you, oh great cowasaki, as we are all aware you eat kittens and puppies for breakfast, but for everyone else I thought it would be nice to keep it factual.

(Can you tell that I hate it when someone comes in and dismisses all your genuine efforts in one smarmy comment?)
 
hughes_jh said:
Well done. Of course I forgot to put a note to say that cowasaki is the greatest man on earth that can do as he pleases.
I just tried to help out here by stating facts, and the facts according to microsoft are;
"An upgrade of the motherboard is considered to result in a 'new personal computer' to which Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred from another computer. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created and the license of new operating system software is required."

I know this doesn't apply to you, oh great cowasaki, as we are all aware you eat kittens and puppies for breakfast, but for everyone else I thought it would be nice to keep it factual.

(Can you tell that I hate it when someone comes in and dismisses all your genuine efforts in one smarmy comment?)
Click to expand...

Cowasaki may as you put it have made a smarmy comment but it was a factual comment based on his experience and i will also add that ive done the exact same thing on dozens of computers without any hassle from Microsoft except for twice when a simple phonecall did the job.
 
hughes_jh said:
Well done. Of course I forgot to put a note to say that cowasaki is the greatest man on earth that can do as he pleases.
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I was being factual and not smarmy. I would suggest you wind your neck in and behave in a reasonable and polite manner.
 
neil_g said:
alright ladies lets calm it down..

(who'd have thought that a forum section full of geeks would be so argumentitive..)

:D
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It's strange that. You had said the same as me before I did :shrug:

BUT geeks can be the worst, Windows v Linux, Windows v MacOS, MacOS v Windows, AMD v INTEL - These are some of the silliest arguments you see.
 
hughes_jh said:
And advocating software piracy is responsible?
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No it isn't but I haven't !

I have a licence for EVERY software product I use even shareware. If I chose to move an OEM version of an OS from one machine to another that is not software piracy! MS might not be happy but if you repair a machine and change the motherboard why should you change the OS? MS cannot dictate that you cannot move it from machine to machine legally and this has been to court and the customer won. If you buy an OEM version then you CAN move it around as long as you delete the original. Yes their OEM rules state only to be sold with substantial hardware etc but that is not being breached.
 
neil_g said:
depends what virus it is but i cant think of anything recent that resides in the boot sector to be honest. a regular format through the windows install should do the job.
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The boot sector is vital for booting your operating system. I would guarantee that his virus is not in there. :)
 
awec said:
The boot sector is vital for booting your operating system. I would guarantee that his virus is not in there. :)
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Neil will be well aware of that but how a boot virus works is that the virus copies the code that is in the boot sector then replaces it with itself. It does what it wants to do then continues into what was there. Doing that means that your os can boot with the virus already running. This can allow the virus to even deactivate known av software!
 
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