Re: What to do with spyware *loaded* PC?

From: Steve Horsley (shoot_at_the.moon)
Date: 01/31/05

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    Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 19:37:25 +0000

    Nick Roberts wrote:
    > walterbyrd@iname.com wrote:
    >
    >
    >>What is the best way to clean up the PC, and keep it clean?
    >>...
    >>Any advice?
    >
    >
    > I have some ideas (not gospel).
    >
    > If you can check that the original software disks are available (or can be
    > replaced at low cost?), and that you have made a copy of all important data,
    > probably the best way is to totally delete the hard disk, and re-install
    > from scratch. Be sure you've got all the configuration data for Outlook
    > Express, etc. Make sure you've got all the passwords necessary.
    >
    > A trick that I have heard of -- but I have not tried it myself -- is to
    > divide the hard disk into three partitions C, D, and E (C and D must be
    > exactly the same size): install Windows and all applications into C; use a
    > utility program to low-level copy this partition into D; use E for all user
    > data; make D read-only.
    >
    > This way, next time you need to disinfect the machine, you can simply
    > low-level copy partition D into C, and I suspect that will work; obviously
    > any extra installed software will be gone (but that's kinda the point!).
    > It's reasonably quick, too.
    >
    On top of that, if you are knowingly installing a new app, restore the backup
    from D, install, backup to D, and next time you have to restore, the new app
    is also restored. My only worry about this is that it is possible for the "data"
    to be infected. But if you refuse to switch to a more secure OS, this is
    probably the second-best option.

    Steve

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