windows xp re-installing

**floyd502** · 10-09-2010, 03:36 PM

Hi everyone,

Right first of all I got major malware on my comp (from some ba+++rd who has nothing better to do then mess with things that people have paid for) so I am going to killdisk the drive.

Luckily I have the original disc for my windows xp & codes to re-install on the comp (using wifes laptop at mo)

the question is if I use killdisk to wipe the whole drive then can I just put the disk straight in to re-install or will I need to put dos on the comp first?

thanks for any replies

dave

**TMShucks** · 10-09-2010, 07:28 PM

I've not used KillDisk and so I don't know what the advantage is.

Assuming that the boot sequence in the BIOS has the **/*** before the hard disk, you should be able to boot from the XP Installation **. From there you can choose to format the hard disk before installing the operating system.

The advantage is that, if it doesn't boot from the **, you haven't made the situation any worse. I suspect that KillDisc will turn your PC into an ornament if you can't boot from the **

You shouldn't need to install DOS ... unless you enjoy going through the process ... and have a floppy disk drive which are less common nowadays.

Regards

**protonLeah** · 10-09-2010, 07:42 PM

How do you know you have malware installed?
What utilities have you used to try to remove it?

Two good ones I know of are:

Adaware from Lavasoft, and
Spybot Search and Destroy
(both are free)

Does Microsoft still support XP?: are the service packs/security patches still available??
It will have to be reactivated...

Reinstall/activate user apps...

Is that machine from a Original Equipment Manufacturer like Dell, HP, etc? If so, the drive may have a hidden partition with the OEM maintenance utilities

[EDIT]

can I just put the disk straight in to re-install or will I need to put dos on the comp first?

If the disk you have is a "NEW PC" disk, you can install XP on a reformatted drive; however, if it is an "UPGRADE" disk, then you will need a drive with a previous version of Windows installed. I don't think DOS will cut it.
[END EDIT]

**JulieM** · 10-10-2010, 08:28 AM

Assuming that you do go through the full process of reinstalling Windows, then all of your favourite apps and saved docs (and assuming that your essential saved docs are not infected), you could install some "Clone" software such as Ghost / TruImage etc, then save an external copy of your hard drive partition as it is AFTER you have re-validated / reactivated / reupdated everything.
Then the next time you have to go through this process, you would be about a day further ahead with much less hastle.

Obviously, you should ensure that you don't go to the effort of creating a backup clone that includes the afforementioned malware!

**Jack in the UK** · 09-13-2011, 05:27 AM

Bit late but hey ...

To add to this feed.. I have just cleaned a Xp Desktop with nasty stuff on it 67 Trojans and Worms and yak yak yak

So Few tools named here above failed, they are common what i found was this and its free
Internet Explorer 7 was trollyed with redirects to site other that what you want i.e. Google Excel Forums and you end up at the BBC in London, or go to M$ Excel KB from favs and you end up on the sports latest scores site (well not quite but this is family forum so..)
There was a dialler, not much use if broadband!

The system was fully togged with some other software’s... boy did it have some
AV x 2
Spy x4
Mal x2

Windows was not updated in a life time,

So HDD in to my Dell WorkStation as 2nd HDD

Boot to OS
Windows Exploder (Explorer) detects with BIOS edit the 2nd drive..
all good intact as should be
AV scan the now D drive with my software AVAST (free for a registration to Key Code to Your Email, update registration each year) AFTER deleting all the other rubbish. Remember to download the EXE file from AVAST prior to deleting AV software, rubbish AV is better than nothing!
Also I use M$ Security Essentials, download and off to the D/Setup/........ Create if needs be
Deep scan FULL with the OS AV (Avast as it happens) to the D drive
Done.... read report,,,,
Use a SAFE different machine if you have one, easy for me so sorry if sounding flash no way mean that, at work I have loads, and lucky few home machines – look up the threats to see what they are and do – WRITE THEM DONE IN FULL for later use
Now take the boot HDD C/ primary out or disconnect the power cable, leaving the was 2nd HDD D/ to boot to become C/ after shutdown, then reboot
Install Avast, use trial 30 days option for now, one installed UPDATE on live
Install MS$ Security, update
Scan AV see what you get!
Scan SpyWare see you get!
Remember to not finding as explained above
Be shocked stuff turns up and is horrifying what other fail to find that is positive finds

This fixed IE and rid 67 baddies in half a day’s work mucking about, causing all manner of issues, and slow speed, lock up and many other ailments

The only problem you will run in to if you take one HDD from a machine as explained above is the NetWork card drivers will failm so get them first and save in C/Set up and copuy to D/Set up as your be needing them
When the drive is returned to its notice Desktop, things should fall into place and work ok as the native drives are all present, if do Device manager will show you, the internet can be pre tested on the loaned machine... all should be well
Do not be alarmed with the batch of new hardware found on the loan machine DO NOT install these ok the screen might be poorer resolution of even bit lop sided ... don’t worry press on only the network driver will be an issue

**Byers81** · 01-24-2012, 07:32 AM

I think you couldn't do without DOS... but I would recommend first trying to restore the system and only then re-installing if it doesn't help.

By the way, I have an XP installation question, too - is is true that it is not compatible with Sony Vaio and I have to get Windows 7 if I cannot put up with my Windows Vista anymore?

**TMShucks** · 01-24-2012, 08:34 AM

@Byers81: DOS still underpins Windows, hence the ability to run DOS commands in a cmd window.

However, you don't need to install DOS before installing Windows ... and you haven't had to for many years.

Regards, TMS

**TMShucks** · 01-24-2012, 08:37 AM

@Byers81: for the second part of your post ...

Your post does not comply with Rule 2 of our Forum RULES. Don't post a question in the thread of another member -- start your own thread. If you feel it's particularly relevant, provide a link to the other thread. It makes sense to have a new thread for your question because a thread with numerous replies can be off putting & difficult to pick out relevant replies.