Virus on computer, does that mean I have to reformat my hard drive and stuff?

[Spoooon]

I downloaded some trialware antivirus software and it found a virus. It removed the virus, and since, I've changed all my important passwords and stuff on another computer. If the software says my computer is clean, am I safe? Or should I just bite the bullet and reinstall everything? I don't remember what virus it was, just that it was in an unknown (I didn't recognize it) .exe and .com file. What do you think my chances are? Other than passwords, I don't think anything sensitive like cc numbers and the like are in danger, unless IE is doing something behind my back.

 

[n0cmonkey]

You should format, but most people dont. But definitely invest in good anti-virus software if you are going to be stupid

 

[Spoooon]

Heh, I wasn't planning on being stupid. I think it arrived in my email. I got another one the other day in my email. The only reason I found out about it was because I checked my popmail on Hotmail and they discovered the virus in an attachment.

 

[n0cmonkey]

<< Heh, I wasn't planning on being stupid. I think it arrived in my email. I got another one the other day in my email. The only reason I found out about it was because I checked my popmail on Hotmail and they discovered the virus in an attachment. >>



Many people dont plan on having kids either, but it happens. But still, good, up to date anti-virus software is a must if you are using a virus prone OS.

 

[Spoooon]

Recommendations on good software? I just downloaded Norton's for the free trial.

 

[UltraQuiet]

I don't know why you think you have to re-format. If the software found it and cleaned it, you should be fine. As far as the software goes, I use both Mcafee and Nortons. Use what you are comfortable with but I would always use more than one.

 

[tweakmm]

I would re format to be sure, you never know what the virus installed on your computer....