how to wipe computer

[lil75]

I have a Dell computer and it has a virus, I have been advised to wipe everything off it and am happy to do so, only problem is I cant sem to do it, any ideas, Thanks!

[barry1010]

That is a very extreme way of treating a virus. What virus is it?

[sn�gs]

Don't forget to back up all your files first...

[Postdog]

and make sure you can re-install.

That said, I agree - it is very extreme action just to get rid of a virus!

[lil75]

Barry, havent a clue, but its since allowing silly things on facebook!

Snags, its actually my mum n dads computer and I think they have done what needs to be done, they have had to do it before, thanks!

[Huderon]

They are running a computer with no anti-virus program ? In this day and age ??

If they are using an anti-virus program, it might not be a virus that's causing the problems. They could try installing and running Lavasoft Ad-Aware or Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to look for and remove trojans and some other nasties before resorting to drastic measures.

However if they really want to fix it that way, reformat the drive and reinstall everything, or use Darik's Boot and Nuke (DBAN) to wipe the drive completely before reinstalling.

[ACtheTROLL]

whoa there

if you nuke the disc - you could end up wiping the restore partition if there is one

if you are using a restore partition ... or a pre built recovery disc - the restore process rewrites every sector on the disc.

from a virus point of view (not data destruction)... that's more than adequate

if you are using a standard install disc - delete the partition and then rebuild and reformat (a reformat should be adequate - but it only takes a couple of seconds more.

then restore
a restore partition requires a F button holding down when you switch the machine on
f2 f10 are popular - but not the only ones (look in the book)

a recovery disc - insert the disc - restart the machine ... follow the prompts - it should beautomatic.

hud = the progs you name are all malware scanners - nothing to do with virus removal

there is a school of thought that says - if all you do is surf and don't use the machine for banking, shopping - or e-mail using the same address you use for banking

why bother with a virus prog?
just rebuild the machine when it starts to slow down
it will be faster and leaner and can't.

and a rebuild every so often is good practice
I do mine every 12 months

[sarah_louise]

If you look in the C:\DELL directory there is a Dell Manual for your PC. (You dont say which model).
There it tells you the process of pressing two keys on the keyboard to restore it back to the condition when it was first bought during the start up sequence..

You need to copy all the data files you have saved first or they will be gone for good. i.e pictures, documents, music, video etc.

[squarebear]

If it's just facebook you are having problems with, try changing your facebook password in case someone has found it out.