Thanks for the advice. I'd like to go ahead and reformat.
Thanks for the advice. I'd like to go ahead and reformat.
Hi again, I'll respect you decicion to do a clean install.
Please make sure that you know what to do before beginning the operation.
Here are a few links that propably help.
Reformatting Windows XP by wng_z3r0
When should I re-format? How should I reinstall?
Windows XP Clean install
Then there are a couple of things you should do immediately after installing Windows and before surfing the net...
- Install an antivirus and firewall (you should download and have those on a CD or USB drive, all ready to be installed).
These are good (free) firewalls:
- Kerio
- Sygate
- Outpost
These are good (free) antiviruses:
- Antivir
- Avast
- AVG- Get all Windows updates installed!
Please ask me if you have any questions
Then here are a few things that you can do in order to make your fresh computer more secure:
- Use ATF Cleaner
Download and install ATF Cleaner. Clean your temporary files & folders with it regularly.- Use Spybot S&D
Download and install Spybot S&D. Update it and scan your computer regularly with it.- Install SpywareBlaster
SpywareBlaster will prevent spyware from being installed.- Install MVPS Hosts file
This prevents your computer from connecting to harmful sites.- Use Firefox browser
Firefox is faster, safer and better browser than Internet Explorer.- Keep your systen up-to-date
Visit Windows Update regularly.- Keep your antivirus and firewall up-to-date
Scan your computer regularly with your antivirus.- Read this article by TonyKlein
So how did I get infected in the first place?