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BIOS virus and custom format from Windows 7.
Hello,
Recently I have found a rootkit on my computer, in particular rootkit.tdss.tdl4. From what I read only I got one of the best!
I have two questions:
First - how can I check if my BIOS was affected without flashing it? I am reading that this trojan could have been started exactly from the BIOS and very likely to show up again after doing a clean install. I have an HP laptop so seems like the flashing procedures require for disconnecting the hard drive- is that true for laptops?
Second, is how do I format to make sure I clean the MBR? I have Vista, and want to upgrade to Windows 7. I have Windows 7 upgrade Ultimate disk which can do a Custom install which should format it entirely. Tell me if I am thinking too old school here but should doing a low level (or zero level) format is necessary? From what I read, the Windows 7 full format function should be as powerful as the low-level. is that correct? I don't mind the extra few hours of work as long as I don't have any issues (at least with this trojan) afterwards. I am also worried that the upgrade Windows 7 disk might not have all of the formatting capabilities as a full version, is that nonsense?
Thank you for your help!
P.S. I posted this on Microsoft Answers - I didn't read any rules forbidding cross-posting but if there are, I will kindly remove and I apologize for which.