Does Acronis restore clean HDD

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  1. Posts : 277
    Windows 7 home premium 64bit
       #1

    Does Acronis restore clean HDD


    Hi all,

    I normally format my Win 7 and reinstall annually to start with a clean slate again. Last year after my usual format/reinstall I installed all my programs, drivers, updates etc and did a system back up with Acronis True Vision Home 2010. My question is, does restoring through an Acronis backup clean the HDD as in a format/reinstall or are things left behind. ie possible malware? Thanks
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 878
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #2

    Restoring a backup is basically the same as reinstalling Windows, it only takes less time and is less laborious. With regard to malware and "family" ... if the hard drive that will receive the image is compromised by certain kinds of "family", I believe you will find that your "house " was raided, even though the image is free of malware. But I do not think that is the case. So, relax, and enjoy the first part of the answer.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2,344
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #3

    lffoar said:
    Hi all,
    My question is, does restoring through an Acronis backup clean the HDD as in a format/reinstall or are things left behind. ie possible malware? Thanks
    Yes Acronis will wipe Everything left on the drive
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 4,517
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
       #4

    Yes, Acronis wipes the drive. So any bad stuff thats there does get erased.


    But bear in mind ...
    If by chance there was Malware or a Virus present when that Image was made, it backed that up as well.
    It will then restore that malware/Virus as well, just as it was when you made the image.

    If the Image was free of any bugs, the completed restore will be as well.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 34
    windows 7 x 64 ult
       #5

    Correct


    Wishmaster is correct, The very last screen where you "apply" says.... Operation 1: Delete Partition Operation 2:Restore Partition

    Total wipeout.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 277
    Windows 7 home premium 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #6

    As usual, the answers a here once again. Best help site on the web!!
    Thanks all
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 878
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #7

    lffoar said:
    As usual, the answers a here once again. Best help site on the web!!
    Thanks all
    You're always welcome! :)
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 264
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit SP1 x64
       #8

    I really do not believe that any imaging system is certain to "wipe" the disc.

    Certainly if you create a FULL and NON-intelligent image that captures all the "empty" space and "deleted" files then when that image is restored it may over-write and thus purge any recent infections.

    But when the typical Intelligent image is created then only the sectors in use are captured,
    and unless deleting the partition involves a very long and tedious wipe of that partition/disc
    all the sectors will still hold the recent malware.
    After restoring the intelligent image only the restored sectors will be free of malware,
    and all the "empty" sectors could still hold recent malware.

    It is true that you will not see the malware and you cannot run it because it is not reported in File Directories etc.,
    but if File Recovery utilities are able to retrieve files that vanished when a partition was deleted then the malware could also be retrieved.

    I am focussing on a technicality which has little relevance normally.
    I think it might be relevant if :-
    There is a boot virus component that knows the start point at which to execute the main body of the malware;
    Some other person has/obtains access to the computer and is able to "undelete" private files that are NOT "wiped" as you have been told.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 277
    Windows 7 home premium 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Thanks Alan for the input. I think I'm pretty satisfied for all intents and purposes that the Acronis backup should "protect" me but if it proves ineffective, there's always a format/reinstall......which I have used pretty well annually up until now.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 16,132
    7 X64
       #10

    All imaging apps will delete the restore target partition, then recreate it.

    Except for the part overwritten by the image itself -data will still be there - you all know it is possible to recover data after partition deletion.

    I don't know if it is possible for malware to resurrect itself from that situation - I doubt it.
      My Computers


 
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