viri, wherefor art thee???

I previously ran a Dell Dimension 5150 (now defunct) desktop computer. That computer used McAfee security software.
It appeared from the performance of the computer that I had downloaded a virus. It seemed to work through my system, disabling various functions each time I started up.

I now am running an HP Pavilion a4310f desktop, using NIS.
I insatlled the previous Dimension (250GB) in a drive cage connected to my HP via a usb port; scanned using NIS, no virus detected, seemed to work normally. Is it safe to use this drive? How do I ensure this?

My question is: where does the replicating virus reside after download? RAM would be the apparent place, whence it attaches itself to various files. Where did the virus from the previous system go? Has it been destroyed due to lack of nutrition? Is it still residing in the previous RAM?

As a project, I am considering the attempt to reactivate the old Dell computer as a learning exercise. I am considering the purchase of a 20GB hd to install in the Dell computer in place of the old one. Would it be more advisable to reinstall the 250GB Dell drive from this desktop? Since this is an 'exercise', I am loathe to lose the capacity of the Dell hd.

Any input would be appreciated.

Don`t hook it up to your new system. You run the risk of spreading whatever you had to it. Just put it back and install an operating system.

P. S. Computers don`t eat. They just die !!!

Thanx for the prompt replies!!

All that you say makes sense.

However, when I reformat the old Dell drive, I will delete the OS, no?
What/where would be the cost of restoring the Windows XP OS? That is why I was hesitant to format it previously.
Or, if it is used for storage only, do I even need an operating system?(Newbie, as you can see).

However, I am considering your suggestion of simply cleaning the hard drive, renistall in old Dell Dimension; could then be used as instructional aid (for me, that is; do not wish to be a newbie forever!).

Thanx.

AddRAM said:

Don`t hook it up to your new system. You run the risk of spreading whatever you had to it. Just put it back and install an operating system.

P. S. Computers don`t eat. They just die !!!

I thought they died when they ate their words, as in Virae?

I ordered Win XP OS disks from HP.

They sent "Application and Driver Recovery DVD" (2 disks).

Is this the Win XP OS I need to reactivate the reformatted hard drive on my old Dell Dimension 5150 computer? How is this reinstall done?

I think so, yes.

padyboy said:

I ordered Win XP OS disks from HP.

They sent "Application and Driver Recovery DVD" (2 disks).

Is this the Win XP OS I need to reactivate the reformatted hard drive on my old Dell Dimension 5150 computer? How is this reinstall done?