|
Instructions for Rebuilding a Windows Computer
If your system is compromised because of a virus, worm, or other
malicious software and cannot be cleaned
using Symantec's antivirus software,
http://www.windowsreinstall.com
provides step-by-step instructions with screen shots on how
to rebuild your system.
CAUTION: Always visit your computer vendor's web site first, for
information and instructions on re-installation, BEFORE
attempting to do a re-installation.
If your computer is a Dell or Gateway, you may have a restore CD. If so,
install from that CD and follow the vendor's instructions.
If you are not comfortable tackling the rebuild yourself ...
Many people are not comfortable tackling a Windows rebuild themselves.
Here are some local computer support units and companies that will
rebuild your system for a fee.
- UBMicro Computer Sales
The Commons, University at Buffalo, 645-3554
- PC Expanders, 3624 Sheridan Drive, Amherst, NY, 834-2111
- Comp USA, 1261 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst, NY 831-8776
The following instructions are for users who ...
- have no support staff managing or supporting the computer that is compromise
d or infected. If the computer is managed or supported, please contact
your support staff.
- are NOT dual booting to Linux and Windows or another operating system
- do not need to transfer files directly from Win 95/98/ME workstations
BACKUP, Backup, Backup Your Files
Before you reinstall, backup your files. If you can
boot into your system, burn a CD with all of your files. Don't
forget to add your *.pst files if you use Outlook for email, and remember
to backup any files on the desktop.
The only true way of cleaning a seriously infected or compromised
computer is to format the hard drive and reinstall all the software,
Windows updates, Norton and Norton updates.
You are only safe if you have flattened and rebuilt your system.
Print out the Reinstall Guide found under "INSTALL GUIDES" in the
left-hand column on the www.windowsreinstall.com web site
Find all the disks with the software you need to reinstall and then
print out the web site instructions for your Windows operating system
and then proceed. For example, for Windows XP Pro, you will need your
WinXP SR_1 disk and the key code. The key code is a group of 5 sets of
numbers and letters such as "ftw32-fi322-wi844-quar88-w8r44". You will also
need your Tech Tools CD which has Symantec AntiVirus software and other
software you may need to reinstall. The Tech Tools software can also
be found
online and downloaded.
http://www.windowsreinstall.com
|
