Windows Forum

Ask something
Discussion Locked

Format XP Home Edition

0 helpful
3 replies

by jlcrash2

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.

We seem to be bogged down with spyware (processes constantly running in the background). We cannot access many parts of our basic functions (control panel, etc. ) We have run adaware, which seems to help but we are still restricted in access to some functions. Should we format the drive? And if so what is the best way to do it??

Thank you

3 replies

by w2ktechman

run spybot search and destroy. It may help further. Also, if you are familiar with the registry, look for friendly URLS and remove them. Then look for extra programs being opened by Explorer

For a rebuild, I would first backup all data. The easiest way is to use file and settings ransfer wizard. In your case I would select files only, and then specify which files need to be backed up. Then build from scratch and re-addm the files.

by Member 31909303

Hi JLCrash2

I had a similar problem recently on both a work machine and also a friends. I use Adaware and Spybot in concert and usually pick up all spyware, but in the above 2 cases (and I assume yours may benefit from this too), other spyware "blasters" pick up stuff that Adaware/Spybot do not.

I got rid of a lot (400 odd) of spyware using bulletproof, see link below. You can download trial version...

http://www.bulletproofsoft.com/spy-download.html

You may need to utilise others as well. Just google for spyware tools.

In the worst case scenario you may have one or two lingering nasties which can only be gotten rid of by playing with the registry, in which case I would recommend formatting the drive and starting from scratch.

Load the Windows XP disk in and do a new install, you'll see prompts to partition/format the disk. Post back here if you need help with that. Would recommend getting hold of Norton Ghost which is a great tool for precisely this situation.

Good luck mate.

by jurgislasevicius9

Another two options that you could try is to run a utility called "spy sweeper" from webroot, there is a free version as well as a paid up version this is as good as "Ad-Ware", difference being that with the free version you only get one definition update and you could also run a piece of SW called "Bazooka" its freeware and also very good.

In my opinion, and this is open to debate, not all anti-spy SW is fool proof sometimes one will "nab" a "miscreant" piece of SW where another will not so give this lot a try.
You can search for the SW through Google or Lukol or look for spysweeper in -- webroot.com --

good luck with your problem

This discussion is closed to new replies.