What the Tech?! Free tech support Archive
This is a read-only archive. No new posts or registrations. Privacy Page
Spyware / Malware / Virus Removal

Hijackthis Log, Madrid, Spain

16 min read

This thread's last reply is from . Advice, software, and links below may be out of date — treat specific steps and download links with caution.

Looking for the outcome? Ask AI

Post #16
A question for you, have you ever done this before and do you know how to do it and also do you have some one to help you?

You may have to reinstall the drivers for you video and sound cards, also network card and any other hardware you have.

Do you have all the 'disks' that came with the computer that contain the drivers for these components?

How do I back up stuff? Can I simply make a copy onto a CD?


Yes backup all the data you want to save, programs you will have to reinstall.


Although I am the Adminstrator, I don't recall having issued myself a password. What if I did and I don't remember. Would I still be able to reformat and have future use of my computer?


You don't need it to reformat as far as I know and once you reinstall you won't need one to use the computer.

If I get stuck can I still contact you for help?


Yes just continue in this post, I'll keep it open

1) Are the terms "reinstalling the operating system" and "reformatting the hard drive" interchangeable?


reformatting wipes the hard drive clean and installing the OS is just what it says

2) I want to be able to reconnect to my ADSL line after reformatting and am concerned about how to reconfigure/reinstall all the relevant data.


I assume that you have a network card installed and that's how you connect to the internet. You may have to install the drivers for it.
If so you can just run the connection wizard , it should be listed under communications in your program files - see if you can find it.
Make sure you have you e-mail addresses
Open up OE > Tools > Accounts > Highlight you mail > Properties > Servers > record addresses for Incoming and outgoing mail.

Would they have installed a card in my computer?

NO

Let me know, MrC
Post #17
No, I've never done this before but I've researched it and feel confident I can do it. Worse case scenario I'll take it to a pro. Quite frankly, I'm looking forward to the challenge. I have the following disks: Operating System (Windows XP Home) Application Recovery (2) Documentation Library WinDVD Creator Driver Recovery I don't have a disk of drivers for ADSL connection so I made a backup copy of C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers. Not sure if this is relevant. Also made a hard copy of DNS and other settings in order to configure manually. I assume then that "network card" does not refer to hardware (a physical card) but rather to data only. Do you think it a good idea to upgrade to SP2? In your opinion do the pros outweigh the cons? Thanks again for your help, Sharyde
Post #18
Do you have a genuine Windows XP Cd or a recovery cd from the computer manufacturer?
Make sure you have you product key, it should be on the computer or on what the Windows XP cd came in.

I don't have a disk of drivers for ADSL connection so I made a backup copy of C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers. Not sure if this is relevant.


No you can't install drivers like that.

Also made a hard copy of DNS and other settings in order to configure manually.


Good

I assume then that "network card" does not refer to hardware (a physical card) but rather to data only.


Yes it's a piece of hardware, it might be called an Eathernet Card . It's what you plug your cable into in the back of your computer. It then should go to the dsl modem if that's how you connect to the internet.
It also may be built into the mother board along with your video and sound cards.

You might want to download AIDA32 - Personal System Information 3.93 at the link below, this will ID all the hardware and everything else on the computer.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download181.html <—-AIDA32

Do you think it a good idea to upgrade to SP2? In your opinion do the pros outweigh the cons?



Yes I would do it asap before you any installation of other programs.
MrC
Post #19
Hi MrC, Just thought I'd let you know that I have successfully reformatted my hard drive! Yahoo! All systems are up and running, even my network connections! Thanks so much for your help. It's been a great learning experience. I will make a donation asap. Take care. Have a good life, Sharyde
Post #20
Well Done :thumbup:

I'll leave you with……..

Some preventive maintenance:

——————Must have or do:—————–

Now that you're clean: <—-Important Step!!!!
Delete your system restore files and create a new restore point:
(ME and XP users only)

XP system restore

ME system restore


Visit Windows Update and install all the lastest critical updates.

Install these two free programs, they sit in the backround and protect your system from spy and adware being installed on your system, also from your browser being hijacked. Check for updates weekly.

SpywareBlaster

SpywareGuard


IE-SPYAD
Puts over 5000 sites in your restricted zone, so you'll be protected when you visit innocent-looking sites that aren't actually innocent at all.
IE-SPYAD

SpyBot has some protection benefits - use them.

Need a free anti virus?
AVG*free
(check for updates - daily)

How about a firewall? The front door to your computer.
ZoneAlarm*free



———-Free malware removal programs:———-

SpyBot
AD-Aware
CW-Shredder

Free Online Trojan Scan

A SQUARED FREE TROJAN SCANNER

Trojan Hunter
TrojanHunter - free trial

Please consider using FireFox instead of Internet Explorer

Replace Java with SunJava

Pop-up stoppers:
GoogleToolBar
Pop-upStopperFree

Don't open e-mail attachments without first scanning them with an up-to-date
anti virus program, even after doing that I would be very careful. Don't click on any executables in e-mails or any other links that you're not sure of.
Watch your surfing habits, don't click on or download anything you're not sure of. Don't install a program that hasn't been recommended by a reputable organization.

Good luck and thanks for using the forum - MrC
Post #21
As this problem has been resolved the topic will be closed. If you need this topic reopened, please request this by sending an email to us at the following link
(Click for address)

The subject of the email must be "Reopen". Include your post username and details about why you need it reopened, with a valid link to your post.

Thanks, MrC

Ask AI

AI can make mistakes. Check the cited posts. Archived advice can be out-of-date

Don't include personal information. Questions and selected public posts go to OpenAI. About Ask AI