winxp problem

mrpotatoman

Member
Oct 26, 2004
58
0
0
Hi, I am running the winxp proffesional edition. So one day my sister was playing on the computer and accidently click yes to like install spyware and all that on the computer and totally kills the computer. So I stick in my Maxtor disk and do a low level format. Then I reinstall winxp. The moment I get into winxp all the spyware and stuff are already on my computer. I have no idea how that is possible, since I just did a low level format with the Maxtor disk. So I format one more time and try again, same thing happens. So if anyone knows how i can get winxp to run on my computer again that would be awsome. I have no idea where these spyware are hidding after a low level format. You help would be greatly appreciated. Thanx
 

mechBgon

Super Moderator<br>Elite Member
Oct 31, 1999
30,699
1
0
  1. download Service Pack 2 from here and burn it to a CD.
  2. Download a free 15-day trial of Norton Antivirus 2005 from here and burn that to a CD also (don't try to install the same instance on more than one computer, btw)
  3. Heck, while you're DL'ing and burning stuff, grab the free Microsoft antispyware too
  4. unplug your network cable, or remove your wireless card if you're using wireless. Leave it that way for the following steps to prevent re-infection.
  5. Reinstall WinXP. Keep the network down.
  6. Install Service Pack 2 for WinXP. Keep the network down.
  7. Enable Data Execution Prevention completely, as shown in this picture. Keeping the network down still? Good. :)
  8. Install that Norton Antivirus 2005 trialware, configure it to scan within compressed files and use maximum heuristics, and then re-enable your Windows Firewall in Control Panel, with NO exceptions allowed.
  9. Now your system is ready to connect to the network. Get the antivirus definitions updated first, reboot as needed, then go to Windows Update for some patches.
  10. Nuke your sister's computer using DBAN from a floppy :evil: and then set her computer up like yours.

    If you want a suggestion on some antivirus software, get McAfee VirusScan 9.0 Professional, which comes with a two-user license, is fairly simple and pre-configured, and detects a fair amount of spyware/adware. Also install that Microsoft Antispyware beta from Microsoft's site, it's free through at least the end of July. With McAfee, the one thing you may need to do is set it to do a scan (weekly on Wednesday evenings is a good time, since the antivirus defs are routinely released on Wednesdays).