Remove malware by formatting

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  1. Posts : 238
    windows 7 Ultimate X86
       #1

    Remove malware by formatting


    Hi,

    When the C: and D: drives are infected, the formatting of them can kill all the malware existing on those two?

    Machine: Windows 7.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 29
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
       #2

    Yes but there are much less stressful way to accomplish a quarantine.

    MBAM
    Kaspersky
    Vipre
    Rogue
    I can post some links when I get home as I am on mobile device right now ;D
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 238
    windows 7 Ultimate X86
    Thread Starter
       #3

    It was just a question that wanted to know. Thank you. And you are completely sure about it, yes?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 29
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
       #4

    Absolutely-

    Can help you with any malicious infections though if you want to avoid re-installing an OS and drivers....
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 238
    windows 7 Ultimate X86
    Thread Starter
       #5

    OK & thanks again dear amaze904.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #6

    A little more information that will help.
    A format does not clean all the information off of the hard drive. It just makes it difficult to get to but it can be got if some wants to.
    Please read these it will help.

    Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command

    Darik's Boot and Nuke - Use to Secure Wipe a Hard Drive

    Secure Erase / Wipe : Definition and Methods
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 7,781
    Win 7 32 Home Premium, Win 7 64 Pro, Win 8.1, Win 10
       #7

    Yes, formatting the drive will remove malware & viruses. However, bear in mind that you should format the ENTIRE hard drive to be sure to remove everything. Rootkits make their own, hidden partition & formatting the entire drive is the best way to ensure that hidden partition is destroyed.

    This tool can help you with the process.

    Darik's Boot And Nuke | Hard Drive Disk Wipe and Data Clearing

    Layback Bear has posted some good links above to aid you in this process.

    Just out of curiosity, what are the infections/malware present on your system? Although starting over is generally the safest option, there are a lot of good anti malawre/virus removal tools that can help clean a system.
    Last edited by Borg 386; 04 Jun 2013 at 15:14.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 29
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
       #8

    X.x I tried to be as much help as I could- these guys will help you a lot then I can with far more knowledge- lol
    I tried
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 5,956
    Win 7 Pro x64, Win 10 Pro x64, Linux Light x86
       #9

    Hi khoshtipi

    Just formatting a HDD is not a %100 sure way of cleaning a Drive (infected or not) and if the PC was off the shelf it may well have a hidden partition, I have used DBAN with good results (its not fast but it works) but saying that an infected PC can be cleaned of Virus / Malware without destroying all data, can you post your PCs symptoms ?

    Note - DBAN will destroy all data make sure you have your Motherboard Drivers etc.
      My Computer

  10.    #10

    Just to add to this thread, not all viruses, trojans, rootkits etc. will be removed with formating the hard-drive, some malicous software can even infect the BIOS.
      My Computer


 
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