Simple reinstallation instructions required

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Right. My Dad's PC is so overrun by spyware and other rubbish that I can't even install the latest antivirus updates or even run Task Manager anymore. I've decided I want to wipe his hard drive and re-install everything. But I don't really know how.

I'm sure it's easy, so can someone please provide me idiot-proof instructions as to how I get his hard drive back to its virgin state again. I have all the install CDs for XP, Office, and other applications and I've backed up all his personal files onto CD as well.

 

Ah, thanks Tal.

One other silly question. How do I get a web browser back (e.g. Internet Explorer) if I can't browse the web to download it in the first place (because I've erased my browse)?

 

It should be included when you install the operating system if you are installing a version of windows.

 

Uhhh....better download and install Firefox as soon as possible...that also partially solves problem about viruses...

 

Here's what I would do:

1) Burn all important files on a DVD or CD, but do try to avoid those contaminated files. You know why.

Checklist:
-- Get the latest drivers.
-- Get the latest Firefox browser.
-- Important documents and images.
-- Save-games, applications, and other misc stuff.

2) Remove the backup-DVD, insert the OS disk. Reboot from that drive (check the motherboard manual to see what button you need to press during the boot -probably F5 or F8).

3) OS installation wizard kicks in, you lay back and let it do the magic. It's the same with Linux and Windows, so all you need to do is press 'next' (unless you want to tweak the installation, which I presume you do not want to do).

4) A few boots, welcome screen, remove the disk when asked, insert the backup-DVD and install the drivers. Then applications one-by-one. Finally, copy the other files onto HDD.

Done, and wasn't even difficult.

 

Hmmm, you make it sound so easy. So, I’ll be able to use a version of Internet Explorer off the XP install CD? Convenient. And I can boot straight from the XP install CD? Even more convenient.

Another question: Is there anything else I should backup that I will kick myself for not backing up? I’ve been thinking of all sorts of things like Internet Connection setting (to save having to set that up again), Favourites (actually he doesn’t have very many of them) etc. Also, is the XP File Transfer Wizard any good? That claims to be able to help you transfer all your settings to a new O/S.

One more question. What’s a motherboard manual?

 

It is a little book that comes with the motherboard.

 

I'm guessing that my motherboard came at the same time as the rest of my computer? So there should be a book in the box somewhere called "Motherboard Manual"?

 

Um, depending on how far your dads computer has sucumb so the spyware-esque sort, i recommend f-disking the harddrive then formatting, then installing windows. F-disking (you'll probably have to download it cause i dont believe winxp includes it like the other versions of windows did) basically turns your harddrive into a steel plate with absolutely nothing left on it. Once you boot up the windows disc should rigger and it will ask you which file-systemm you'd like to format in. Choose ntfs. From there let it 'work its magic.'

 

Really? You think some of the malware might survive the standard formatting process, like some sort of zombie rising from the dead? That's scary.

 

I've seen it happen. My brother wasnt very secure with his downloading and he just lost his harddrive. For the most part, however, such extremes as mentioned above probably arent necessary but they do offer some piece of mind if you have the extra time to kill.

 

Forgot to mention, but once you are done with the installation of the OS (WinXP, in your case), install the firewall right away and visit WindowsUpdate. Once you have patched your OS, get DirectX 9.0c from www.microsoft.com/downloads. THEN the other apps and stuff, although it shouldn't break anything if you have already done this in reverse order.

Of course, you will need to create boot-disks if your computer is really ancient -might not support booting from DVD or CD.

 

It has also been suggested that I don't even need to boot from a disk. Someone told me I can just stick in the XP disc and follow the rights options to format and re-install. Does this sound right? Makes it sound pretty easy.

 

The average lifespan of an unprotected Windows XP PC connected to the internet is four minuites. You should probably d/l Service Pack 2, ZoneAlarm, Spybot et cetera on your uninfected computer, burn it to CD, and install it before connection.

 

Hmm, that's a good idea. I should download those installation files so I can run them on the computer after it is cleaned up but before connecting to the internet - otherwise it will all be a waste of time and we'll be back to where we started.

 

That is just stupid. All you need after a format is a firewall. You don't need to download or install all of that zone alarm/spybot/norton rubbish, it is just not necessary. I do not even have an anti-virus, all I have is a firewall, and I never have a problem.