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Windows Clean Install Removes Virus/Spyware?

G

GizmoFreak

Golden Member
If you have a virus and/or spyware on your computer, will a clean install of Windows not carry over any of the bad stuff? Since a clean install doesn't remove any program files folders or any other files outside the windows folder, for that matter.

Or do you have to reformat the hard drive?
 
You're probably going to be better off formatting the computer because it erases the entire hard drive. Like you said, with a Windows reinstall, the Program Files folder stays intact so there is always a chance of the spyware coming back. If you'd like to keep your current installation of Windows, running Spybot or Adaware might be able to help you get rid of some, if not all, spyware. Hope this helps.
 
A clean install without format only replaces system files. It will not remove exisiting programs or remove spyware. You want to use this when a file goes missing from windows or a file is corrupted.

 
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