Hi everyone. I would like to do a format on an old drive .I suspected I got a virus( using Win7, AvastPro, firefox 3.6.8) since when browsing text or html,the page started scanning right to left over all the text like my backspace key was stuck. I tried a new keyboard and manual mouse ( had a wireless mouse) and it happened again. I did an Avast full scan, did a Windows defender full scan, nothing showed. I then decided to do a boot scan and then I could not get into windows, tried to repair several times and finally was able to get a restore point.
However when I went online to get updates I found the avast icon was stopped and could not get it active until I did the repair in Add/remove programs. I did a fresh install in a new hardrive( I am using it now). I was thinking of backing up the data files from yhe infected drive to a DVD then do a format on the old drive. I will boot from CD only from the boot setup, then use the Win7 setup disk. If I reformat during the setup is there any way the virus could still be on it?
Any suggestions? Thank you.
I suggest the general cleaning procedure.
- Clean your temporary files.
- Schedule a boot time scanning with avast with archive scanning turned on. If avast does not detect it, you can try DrWeb CureIT! instead.
- Use MBAM (or SUPERantispyware or even Spyware Terminator) to scan for spywares and trojans. If any infection is detected, it is better and safer to send the infected file(s) to quarantine (Chest), rather than simply deleting them.
- Test your machine with anti-rootkit applications. I suggest avast! antirootkit or Trend Micro RootkitBuster.
- Make a HijackThis log to post here or this analysis site. Or even submit the RunScanner log to to on-line analysis.
- Clean your Hosts file (replacing it) with HostsMan tool.
- Disable System Restore and then reenable it again.
- Immunize your system with SpywareBlaster.
- Check if you have insecure applications with Secunia Software Inspector.