repair windows 7 pro the best approach - Given scenario

scripttron75 · 14 Dec 2016

my Pc is windows 7 pro 64bit, I need to do either a repair or a complete reinstall of the OS due to a trojan that just eradicated the system however i have 3 other drives with software installed on those drives and i do not want to touch those drives and also bring back the software once windows 7 is working correctly again like for example all the Icons on the desktop that point to these other drives. what is the best approach in rescuing windows 7 pro and bring back all the installed software without having to reinstall it again. again all the software was installed to different drives like H: and K: and E:

thanks

Layback Bear · 14 Dec 2016

If it was my computer and all infections have been removed.

I would unhook all drives except the drive with Windows 7 installed.
Then I would try a Repair Install.

If things went well, I would hook up the other drives one at a time and due complete security scans to make sure their is nothing infected.

I have used this tutorial by Brink several times. It will guide you.

Repair Install

Jack

scripttron75 · 14 Dec 2016

the thing about trojans is that even though there are no more malicious software installed or infected items which i have it can leave the OS with things messed up like slow response opening folders, left over apps that it installed like rogue Registry keys that are not even in the registry but are being reported by startup as starting its a mess.

Layback Bear · 14 Dec 2016

When anything less than a Clean Install is done their is always a chance that some junk is left behind by the infection.

A Clean Install and then installing all programs again is best. You said you didn't want to install your programs again. You want to keep all the changes you have made. That is not going to happen with a Clean Install.

Clean Install or Repair Install; your choice.

Jack

mjf · 15 Dec 2016

I would keep most installed programs on your OS partition (where you have the registry) - games may be an exception.
If you go for a clean install make sure you deactivate paid software so they can be reinstalled.

In future I'd keep a number of system images on more than one ext HDD. I'd have one after a clean install with all MS updates and software installed. By keeping images going back say 6 months you are likely to have one that doesn't contain suspect malware without going through the tedious process of a clean install.

scripttron75 · 15 Dec 2016

thanks all, i will do a clean install, save files that need to be saved on C: and save icons on my desktop as there is a lot. and probably do a reinstall if needed no biggie.

Layback Bear · 16 Dec 2016

This little tutorial by Brink for a Clean Install is helpful.

Clean Install Windows 7

AddRAM · 16 Dec 2016

You`ll have to reinstall all your programs again. As everyone has said, your programs should be installed on C so you can make a proper image. In case this ever happens again, all you have to do is reimage and not reinstall.

Live and Learn :)

scripttron75 · 18 Dec 2016

the problem with this install is that I do not C to install everything , i use C as an SSD drive to drive everything but the installations are on other drives 1tb drives... so really no way to do a clean image backup. i do not have a standard install.