mjcurtis Posted February 15, 2011 ID:389732 Share Posted February 15, 2011 I need to reformat my hard drive to repair my computer, but I am not sure how to go about doing this. I have stored all the files I want to save onto an external hard drive and have the Dell CD's/DVD's that came with my computer. Where should I start, and what should I do? Also, how can I ensure that my computer will be protected after doing this? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreeGuser Posted February 16, 2011 ID:389826 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I need to reformat my hard drive to repair my computer, but I am not sure how to go about doing this. I have stored all the files I want to save onto an external hard drive and have the Dell CD's/DVD's that came with my computer. Where should I start, and what should I do? Also, how can I ensure that my computer will be protected after doing this?Hey there!First , back up all your important files and data on external device such as external USB flash or hard drive , or CD/DVDs.While your Windows computer is working , it is in an environment in Windows . Formatting can only be done in environment where your main operating system (a.k.a. Windows) is not running - in simple words this means you need to boot from the external device (example the DELL disks) and then perform the necessary actions. If your Windows came preinstalled with your Dell computer , the disks are recovery disks that do not reinstall the OS but restore it using a system image to a factory settings (all files and programs the computer had when it was bought). These computers usually have a hidden partition made by the manufacturer (Dell in this case) .If you format your computer's hard disk using another external disk (for example Linux based) , the hidden partition may be deleted and I am not sure you'll be able to recover using Dell's disks afterwards.I don't know what kind of problem you are facing but if you insist on Windows reinstallation I think you'd better just recover to factory settings now and see if that helps instead of formatting the hard drive. If this doesn't help , post back describing your issues in details Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreeGuser Posted February 16, 2011 ID:389828 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I see you have had malware related problems (I mean you have posted in the malware removal section ) but they seems to be fixed now ? Are there any other problems ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjcurtis Posted February 16, 2011 Author ID:389831 Share Posted February 16, 2011 All my malware related problems are still present. I have backed up all my files that I want to save on an external hard drive. I have gone through the Malware removal process on this website, but even though I followed the directions my computer still has the same problems that I started with. From what I can tell, a complete reboot of my computer and starting a new would be the best solution to get rid of my Malware problems. Please help me fix this problem.My CD's/DVD's are: [All of these came with my computer]1. Operating System Reinstallation DVD Windows Vista Home Premium 64BIT SP12. Drivers and Utilities Reinstallation Webcam Manager3. Drivers and Utilities Reinstallation Dell XPS Portable Computer Software4. Application Reinstallation Dell Mediadirect 3.55. McAfee Security Center Reinstallation CD6. Microsoft Office Home and Student 20077. Roxio Creator DE 10.2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreeGuser Posted February 16, 2011 ID:389848 Share Posted February 16, 2011 All my malware related problems are still present. I have backed up all my files that I want to save on an external hard drive. I have gone through the Malware removal process on this website, but even though I followed the directions my computer still has the same problems that I started with. From what I can tell, a complete reboot of my computer and starting a new would be the best solution to get rid of my Malware problems. Please help me fix this problem.My CD's/DVD's are: [All of these came with my computer]1. Operating System Reinstallation DVD Windows Vista Home Premium 64BIT SP12. Drivers and Utilities Reinstallation Webcam Manager3. Drivers and Utilities Reinstallation Dell XPS Portable Computer Software4. Application Reinstallation Dell Mediadirect 3.55. McAfee Security Center Reinstallation CD6. Microsoft Office Home and Student 20077. Roxio Creator DE 10.2Most likely your malware related problems can be fixed . I stronly suggest you either let the malware helper you want to reinstall or follow their further advise to clean the malware off your computer.As for the disks , you won't need number 5 (the McAfee one) If you really insist on recovering to factory settings - follow these instructions:http://www.ehow.com/how_5020612_easily-dell-pc-factory-settings.htmlIf / After returing to factory settings :1) at first do NOT connect to the Internet2) have a look at Control Panel -> Programs and features and get rid of unnecessary crappy applications that may come with your factory settings3) make sure Windows Firewall is enable4) Connect to Internet and visit this web site and download Windows Vista's Service Pack 2 (SP2)5) Run the installation file of SP2 to install it (file just downloaded - step4)6) Do not visit any other web site or insert any media at this time but your antivirus vendor's web site to download up-to-date version of your antivirus 7) Visit Malwarebytes' web site and download your MBAM copyhttp://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam-download.php8) Continue with reinstalling other application you need and return your files/dataWhile doing the above steps , do not insert any media (such as disks or removable USB disk/flash , etc) , do not visit any 3rd party questionable sites . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjcurtis Posted February 16, 2011 Author ID:389852 Share Posted February 16, 2011 As I said earlier, when I asked for help with my malware I got no help whatsoever. Even though they "helped" me clear my viruses off my computer, once it appeared that my viruses were gone the person who helped me ended the thread. Can you re-direct me to someone who is actually going to help? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreeGuser Posted February 16, 2011 ID:389855 Share Posted February 16, 2011 As I said earlier, when I asked for help with my malware I got no help whatsoever. Even though they "helped" me clear my viruses off my computer, once it appeared that my viruses were gone the person who helped me ended the thread. Can you re-direct me to someone who is actually going to help?Just a second , I am looking at your other thread (even though i also do not see any malware related issues). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreeGuser Posted February 16, 2011 ID:389857 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Your computer was checked very good by the moderator . Your issues seems not to be related to malicious software but to other computer problems . You seem to have many applications running at the same time . I didn't see any information about your PC's hardware and if it can handle it.Just to have some information about your computer's specifications , can you download ESET SysInspector utility and run it:http://download.eset.com/download/sysinspector/32/ENU/SysInspector.exeWhen the log is ready , go to File -> Save log , save it on your Desktop (for example) and attach it here so that I can see it.I will not be making any changes to your computer nor will give you instructions for malware removal forum , this log will just give me and other members some information about running software and machine specifications Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjcurtis Posted February 16, 2011 Author ID:389860 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Either way, whether I have a virus or whatnot--my computer is still running slow. Start up time on my computer usually takes a while, and I must wait until everything is completely loaded before I attempt to open any document or whatnot. Once I am on the internet, or have a document [or multiple ones] open they usually start to freeze fairly quickly and must open a task manager in order to close them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreeGuser Posted February 16, 2011 ID:389863 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Either way, whether I have a virus or whatnot--my computer is still running slow. Start up time on my computer usually takes a while, and I must wait until everything is completely loaded before I attempt to open any document or whatnot. Once I am on the internet, or have a document [or multiple ones] open they usually start to freeze fairly quickly and must open a task manager in order to close them.If you wish to have a further look , just give us some information to work with (e.g. ESET SysInspector's log is some good start) . General suggestions not specific to your post : You may try to reinstall your not functioning programs , you may decide to remove application you do not need any more , you can defragment your computer's hard disk , you can run Windows' checkdisk utility to check for errors , etc.You may also restore to factory settings if you find it most appropriate (instructions given above).Whatever you choose , I will try to help you Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjcurtis Posted February 16, 2011 Author ID:389866 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Attached is my ESET report. Where should I go from here?SysInspector-MATT-PC-110215-2131.zip Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreeGuser Posted February 16, 2011 ID:389867 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Attached is my ESET report. Where should I go from here?Don't do anything - just wait some minutes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreeGuser Posted February 16, 2011 ID:389871 Share Posted February 16, 2011 1) I see there are some leftovers of McAfee product in your computer . Since McAfee is no longer operating and protecting your machine , they have to be removed.Follow their instructions here and use the MCPR.exe tool http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe2) You have excessive number of applications installed and I am sure you don't need all of them . Running them all can be a cause of slow down.I advise you go to Start -> Control Panel -> Programs and feautures and uninstall what you find unnecessary for you. You may start with these and continue with other you find not needed:Shop for HP SuppliesWindows Live related crapAdobe AIRAOL stuffDELL Video chatESET Online scannerLive! Cam Avatar v1.0etc.When you remove them , reboot your computer3) Open Start -> All programs -> Accessories -> RunType in msconfig.exe and press [ENTER]Go to "Startup" tab and uncheck the following:Adobe Reader Speed Launcher = C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exeAdobe ARM = C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\1.0\AdobeARM.exeQuickTime Task = C:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" -atboottimeConfirm the changes , close and reboot4) I don't know what your computer is used for and if you are home user . Do you need these programs/services ?Steam Client ServiceUltraVNC Server Dock Login Service Remote Access Media ServerRemote Access DBIf you are a typical user you may not need them - I am not sure .If you don't need them , we can disable them to see if it helps. In case you need them in future , they can safely be re-enabled:Open Start -> All programs -> Accessories -> RunType in msconfig.exe and press [ENTER]Go to "Services" tab and check "Hide all Microsoft services"Find [*]Steam Client Service[*]UltraVNC Server [*]Dock Login Service [*]Remote Access Media Server[*]Remote Access DBand uncheck them . Confirm the changes , close and reboot.5) Download , install and run CCleanerhttp://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download/slimIt will help you remove unnecessary temporary files from your computers.When you start it , place a check on all these:start analyzing and clean the temp files6) Defragment your hard disks:http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Improve-performance-by-defragmenting-your-hard-disk7) Check your hard disk for errors:http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Check-your-hard-disk-for-errorsFollow the instruction in the advise and pages carefully and don't hesitate to ask if you are unsure. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreeGuser Posted February 16, 2011 ID:389874 Share Posted February 16, 2011 You have a lot of work to do . After you are ready , report back your findings , how is your computer going . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjcurtis Posted February 17, 2011 Author ID:390553 Share Posted February 17, 2011 Currently, my computer seems to be running fine after going through all of your steps. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreeGuser Posted February 18, 2011 ID:390649 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Currently, my computer seems to be running fine after going through all of your steps.That sound good. Please , let me know if I can be of help for something else. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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