Window 7 is infected

Assuming that the install disk for windows 7 has not been compromised - downloaded and burned to disk from an infected system - then there is no way that the new seven install disk can be infected - the fact that you boot from a clean medium, either the install disk or partitioner disk, ensures that the memory is clean.

once the install is completed the system should be clean and thus can be used with suitable AV software to clean the external drive.

The only infection that could possibly survive this procedure would be the extremely unlikely one in the system BIOS - if this is a concern then you would need to re-flash the BIOS from a clean external source disk, before any other operations.

I have used Avast and Avira - both are competent Anti-virus solutions - which is the best is subjective and will change from test to test.

What I personally recommend to anyone is rather than an AV or firewall or security suite - you need a security aware mindset - the tools are an important part of course, but most important is to not go to high risk areas on the net and follow basic rules for safe computing, if your not 100% sure don't click on it

It sounds like you've been infected with a BOT!

Once you do your clean install, change all your passwords because they have no doubt been stolen. Also, since you had critical information (tax returns) on the drive, keep an eye out for identity theft.... such as with credit cards, banking, etc...

Barman58 said:

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What I personally recommend to anyone is rather than an AV or firewall or security suite - you need a security aware mindset - the tools are an important part of course, but most important is to not go to high risk areas on the net and follow basic rules for safe computing, if your not 100% sure don't click on it

*Points to Sig*

hi thanks for the advice on the passwords. I already plan to do that.

i have got advice from another forum (these guys are experts on this stuff) on how to get it my data of the hard drive. i will post link, if that is allowed or if anyone is interested.

comfix might work but i don't have time easier to reformat the hard drives.

I picked it up by using a usb at an internet cafe to print something. Before i put it in the first computer. The drive probable hasn't been used for about 8 months.

all good fun.