Re: Does anyone recognize this?

From: nemo_outis (abc_at_xyz.com)
Date: 05/26/05 

Date: 26 May 2005 15:00:12 GMT

pokee@shaw.ca wrote in news:1117087646.954856.23100
@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com:

> I just connected to the net to download updates to my Norton Internet
> Security/Antivirus software - and that's when the problem started.
>
> I've just run adaware and spybot, re-scanned my PC for viruses, and the
>
> problem still exists.
>
> I have a feeling I am just going to have to re-format again - for the
> millionth time. Dell tells me that this could reduce the life of my
> hard drive. This is getting really frustrating.
>
> Is there a methodology I should be using after
> re-fromatting/re-installing windows that will protect me better? The
> first thing I do is install anti-virus software - but that requires
> connecting to the internet for updates. It's kind of a catch-22...what
>
> should I do?
>
> Thanks for your advice.
> Paula

To minimize the amount of work I suggest the following.

1. Reformat the entire drive. But that's not enough. I suggest you
also repartition it and restore the MBR (e.g., with fdisk).
Alternatively - and better - do a "manufacturer's level reformat" (using
software available from Western Dignital, Maxtor, Hitahi, seagate, etc.
as the case may be.)

2. Reformat the disk (and repartiton it, etc.)

3. Install just the OS from known-good sources (e.g., original Windows
CDs)

4. Install Ghost (or Acronis, etc.) from known-good sources (or even
use a diskette or CD-based version that doesn't require installation).
Backup the HD as an image.

5. Install your most trustworthy programs from known-good sources
(e.g., MS Office from CDs)

6. Backup entire HD with Ghost, Acronis, etc. (incremental backup
shpould suffice).

7. Install second-tier (less trustworthy) software. Backup with Ghost
as per step 6.

8. Repeat steps 7 & 6 in stages adding a few more programs, confirming
the system is clean, and backup. Repeat until all is well and system is
fully up. If you encounter problems at any point, roll back to a
previous working disk image.

I know this seems tedious (and it is) but the idea of regular incremental
image backups is something you should be doing anyway and this ill be a
baptim of fire in that discipline :-)

Regards,

 

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