Rstore Windows to default

i have one last question, well i think its the last one. I booted Windows 7 Ultimate from the CD/DVD. I ran a custom install and using the advanced menu deleted the partitions from the Infected Windows XP. Now what i need clarification is is deleting the partitions similar to re-formatting. I was under the assumption that deleting the partition was the same as ere-formatting and once the partition was deleted it did not give the option to format, and Ken said format the HDD. Some forums say its the same some say its not. I thought you guy would be able to give me a definite answer. I just want to make sure because Ken told me to format so if its not the same then i will have to go back and re-install Windows 7, and its updates. Microsoft security essentials Shows no infections neither does Malware or spybot. Thanks for the feedback. delete partition= Re-format? in the case of removing Files and programs and other infected sources? Ken said the rootkit was fixed so re-formatting was all hat need be done now.

Once you delete the partition/partitions, you then need to create a new partition. Then you can format it.

Once you delete the partition/partitions, you then need to create a new partition. Then you can format it.

Since the partition has been deleted that means the problem is gone therefore there is no need to reformat? OR do i still need to reformat for it to be clean?

I am currently running Wondwos & ultimate on a new partition, It created the new partion after i deleted the old one, so it really didnt give an option to re-format , so this means i have to boot from CD again and Re-format, then install again?

Once you create a new partition, you have to format it, no choice. Otherwise Win 7 install has no place to put it's data. It will be the next window after you've created the new partition.

Yeah, I got some info from one of my fellow on line gamers. He said that after you delete the partitions (like i did) Windows 7 automatically creates and formats the new partition. this is basically what i have been trying to get down. If it does or doesn't. If we are both correct the, my computer should be clean, i posted a new dds on the now closed Spybot Post of mine. You can check it out. See what i ddi was 1st i installed the Windows 7 over the old xp, which was i was asking the "hypothetical " questions. I ran the Microsoft security suite and stuff, it detected the viruses. What i did next was as Ken said re-fromat. So Based on the above infromation "deleting the partition, when doing a custom install of 7 will create and format a new partition" So, i booted the windows 7 of a disk, Then i went through a "clean" install. I deleted both partitions, then proceeded with the install. Windows 7 created a New partition, which i assume it re-formatted also, or how else would i have installed the Windows 7? Anyways that's what i was wating to confirm with you guys. Sorry about my miss, communications. After the clean install i restarted my computer installed updates, The Microsoft recovery Console i had on the old partition( now deleted) is gone. So i did a scan with The micro. Sec. Suite, It detected nothing. I posted yhe new DSS as i mentioned on the spybot forum. Maybe you guys can read through and clear it up form me ? Put us all out of our confusion? Its from post 36 onward is all the information. Thanks guyz appreciate it.

Yes, deleting partitions then creating a new one will cause the install process to format it. You are clean and free of any infections. Now, what are you going to do for future protection? I use Microsoft Security Essentials and the Pro (paid for) version of Malware Bytes Anti Malware (which has been excellent at stopping infections before they occur).

Hi super.duper
Now that you have reformatted your computer and reloaded a fresh copy of Windows, now would be a very good time to take a disc image……. you can use the native facility within Windows 7 or a paid for disc imaging utility like Acronis, Paragon, Norton ( symantec) etc or a free version.
Here's my "canned words", I hope you take them up…

making a disc image, together with a bootable CD, verifying their integrity and keeping the image safe on removable media is a wise and prudent strategy.
Windows, for example, now includes disc imaging in its latest versions as part of the operating system.

As to which is the best free disc imaging software……its a matter of personal preference, but if you have a look here:
http://www.thefreecountry.com/utilities/backupandimage.shtml
you should be able to obtain a good overview of some of the products and links are also provided to disc management utilities (to set up merge resize partitions etc.. )

Other products by Acronis, Paragon, etc are often provided free in CD/DVD's given away free with computer magazines from time to time.

Its always best to take your first full disc image when you know that your machine is running fast and sweet, with all appropriate Windows updates installed, with no virus or malicious elements present, with junk files deleted, all unneccessary or unwanted applications removed, fully defragged and with updated anti virus, firewall and anti spyware protections in place. Remember , if you make a disc image of an "infected or badly running system and then use it to reimage your hard drive you are just making things tough for yourself as the problems will just be propogated….

However, subject to the above paragraph if, at the moment, you do not have a disc image kept safe on removable media, then I recommend you make one immediately…….In the event that you hit serious trouble that cannot be resolved in a timely or cost effective way by the usual means, then you will be able to reimage and have your machine up and running in less time than it takes to walk the dog!
Regards
paws

Thanks Paws! I will do that right away!

i found this link online, perhaps i can use this method? unless there's a way where i don't have to download/install any new software, otherwise I'll have to purchase my first pack of CD/DVD's …. ive had computers for …7 years? i think.. lol and I've never purchased any.
http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/08/…ta-7-with-wint/

Hi super.duper No that link is not what I meant….. I was recommending you make a disc image (an electronic "photograph") of everything that is on your machine, including Windows itself, your data files your downloaded emails and settings, passwords etc…. (a faithful replica in other words) then in the event of serious trouble in the future that cannot be resolved by the normal means in a timely or cost effective you can just reimage and be up and running again in less time than it takes to walk the dog! (You will need to do some updates though!) It's best to keep your disc image safe on removable media, an external hard drive is excellent for this (CD/DVDs can be a bit tedious for this( compare the space used on your hard drive and work out how many discs you would need…..) most folks have quite a lot on their hard drive so an external hard drive is usually a better solution than a box full of discs. If you have Win 7 then there is native support for disc imaging (and also on some versions of Vista) but for XP you will need to download or install disc imaging software see my previous post.. Two further tips for you: 1 Make a bootable CD/DVD so that you can get at your disc image in the event that Windows will not boot 2 Verify the disc image is correct and then keep an extra copy safe off site Regards paws