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| Source: https://www.revolutionarylife.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Punch-Computer21.jpgAdd caption |
Now, you are faced with two options: removing the viruses or reinstalling your Windows. Several criteria can be considered to make the decision:
1. Types of damage done: are you looking at just a few evolved copies of a program generated by the virus, or a massive loss of data? Reinstalling Windows is recommended for the latter case.
2. Have you backed up your files? Snap! I got you there, right? Not only you have to back your system up, you have to do it to the most recent date. If you have backed it up, hurray, the freedom to choose either alternative is yours. If you forgot to back up and you cared about your files, you'd have to try your best to remove the virus. If you forgot to back up and you did not care about your files, go right ahead and join the New Windows Club.
Let's look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative:
Reinstalling OP: you can be certain that all viruses are eliminated afterwards, and it can end up being quite time-saving. On the flip side, this is not the most basic task on a computer, so you may not know how to do it! You need all necessary softwares to perform a good reinstallment of your OS.
Removing virus: you can find virus removal kit online to help when not enough softwares are there to reinstall OS. However, there are many downsides of this selection. The most significant one is you can never be sure your system is completely clean. Your action of removing virus could be actually just a "cute" attempt.
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How to reinstall Windows OS: Windows is the most common OS on computers, and I herein choose Windows 7 to base the instruction on:
1. Control Panel -} Advanced recovery method. This is a recovery tool provided by Microsoft to its authentic Windows products. You will be guided step by step through the reinstallment process. If you didn't use an authentic Windows (no judgement:D), this tool might not work. Sometimes, Windows still doesn't run after Advanced Recovery Method is performed. Either way, you'll then have to take step 2.
2. Formatting the hard disk and reinstalling Windows from installation discs/USB:
a) When computer is on, insert Windows 7 installation disc or USB (make sure you have the product key).
b) Restart computer.
c) When prompted, press any key and follow sequential instructions to get on Install Windows page.
d) On Install Windows page, choose your language -} Next -} Click I accept the license terms -} Next
e) Click Custom for Which type of installation do you want?
f) Click Drive options (advanced) for Where do you want to install Windows?
g) Change the partition you want and select your preferred formatting option; then again, follow instructions.
At this point, you basically have finished the formatting process. Next stage is finishing up installing Windows, which is made very simple through step-by-step instructions, such as naming your computer and creating a starting user account.
If you have read our post up to this point, we want to thank you for your time. Hope this information will have chance to serve you in some way. Any questions, any at all, please do not hesitate to let us know!
Source: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/installing-and-reinstalling-windows-7
http://www.oit.umn.edu/safe-computing/personal-computer/reinstall-removal/
This is for more advanced users, but the easiest method (if you know what you are doing, don't try this if you don't) is to start Windows in Safe Mode and run your virus removal tool from there. However be warned, if you do not know what you are doing, you really can harm your information if you have your anti-virus tools delete the wrong files.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with us, Caleb.
DeleteI recently had trouble with my OS. My computer had Windows 7, but my in-laws got me Windows 8 for my birthday. After installing the new OS, my computer was never the same. I am not very computer savvy, but I do know how to pop in a disc and follow the directions. Apparently, I did not update the drivers before hand. I called Microsoft support, but they would only help if I payed them a few hundred bucks. Needless to say, I was pretty frustrated. After reading your blog post, I now know how to start from scratch if I ever have to. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI also recently had this problem. My computer became infected through a song I downloaded (for free) which was my first mistake. Needless to say I download only music I pay for now but I guess I didn't realize what exactly could happen by the song downloading and being able to have access to everything on my computer. For someone who has financial information and important documents on their computer this could become a very big problem when a hacker has access to all the information.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Montana. Yes indeed, downloading is a very common path for viruses to infect computers. It can be songs, documents, softwares, and even plug-ins. Using trusted websites to download (ones usually charge you unfortunately) avoids almost all chances for your computer to get infected.
DeleteTriet Pham
I really enjoyed reading this post. For many people such as myself I don't know enough about my own computer. I do know not to click on such advertisements, and pop-ups. But what happens when you allow your friend to borrow your laptop to check their email and they return your laptop to you with a virus! I'm glad you gave the two options and the positives and negatives of both. I had no idea how to fix my laptop a couple of years ago so I had to pay someone a good amount of money to do it for me.
ReplyDeleteIt is fantastic that you enjoyed our post! I more than once had to bring my laptop to a tech-savvier friend so he could fix it.
DeleteTriet Pham
I believe this article is very helpful. I liked that it had useful information that many people should be aware of. A lot of people do not realize that they can, in fact, fix their computer themselves depending on what the issue is.
ReplyDeleteI found this article very interesting and very helpful. Right now I have my computer down because has a virus and I did not know how to fix it. The computer does not allow me to download an antivirus. If you take it to a tech he will charge me just to look at it and more to fix it. What a business!!
ReplyDeleteWe hope your problem has been dealt with. My computer was once infected by a virus that disabled the function of the mouse and keyboard. I couldn't explore any other options but reboot the system and reinstall Windows.
DeleteTriet Pham