Help, need advice on a VIRUS and windows 8 reinstallation

PeterB

New Member
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2
Computer is alienware 14 late 2013, windows 8

Hi. I am currently rebuilding a freinds computer (he had a virus called winzip registry optimizer), I ran a full scan in safe mode with both Malwarebytes free and avsast free to eradicate it but also found 11 other viruses. I deleted and cleared all the viruses, but was unsure if there might still be some lingering. so I did a full system reinstall to be on the safe side, I have a dell usb stick for that but I chose to just use the inbuilt "remove everything and reinstall windows option". see linked in picture. my question is, is it possible the virus was on the reinstall drive, I want to be 100% sure I got this thing. thanks.

Capture | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8, OSX and windows xp
I generally dislike giving this advice, because I'm just the messenger and before I know who I'm even talking to, I just know there's going to be a gun, even if it's only a glancing thought in the recipient's mind.

With a machine that compromised, there really is no way the best of the best professional can give you a seal of approval and guarantee you any type of security, privacy or stability. There is no telling what has been altered, added or removed from the system.

The advice is to use Killdisk to 0 out the drive. Then re-install Windows to the hard drive.

Anything is possible. Malware can be tricky at times. I'd disable Autoplay in Windows, attach the USB drive, then scan it with Malwarebytes.

I know you're probably going to keep the Windows install, though. haha :) (Don't do it!!! But if you do, delete the restore points.)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7601.18247.x86fre.win7sp1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-built Intel based
    CPU
    Pentium D 925 3.0 GHz socket 775, Presler @ ~ 3.2 GHz
    Motherboard
    Intel DQ965MT
    Memory
    Hyundai 2 GB DDR2 @ 333 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS DirectCU II HD7790-DC2OC-2GD5 Radeon HD 7790 2GB 128-Bit GDDR5
    Sound Card
    MOTU Traveler firewire interface
    Hard Drives
    1 Seagate Barracuda SATA II system/boot drive 80 GB, 2 Western Digital hdds - 1 is SATA II Caviar Black 1 TB attached to card (assorted media, page, temp), other is SATA I 420 GB (games, media, downloads)
    PSU
    Thermaltake 450W
    Cooling
    stock Gateway cooling, extra large fan in rear of case
    Keyboard
    Alienware/Microsoft Internet kb
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
    Internet Speed
    Optimum Online, fast for US
    Browser
    Pale Moon
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky integrated into ZoneAlarm+Antivirus
Have you made the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

information   Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD. (Windows 8 only)
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2855-system-repair-disc-create-windows-8-a.html (Windows 8 only)




I would recommend you making the OEM manufacturer's Recovery DVD's or USB drive.
Windows 8 Dell Backup and Recovery - Windows 8 - Software & Operating Systems - Dell Community
http://www.dellbackupandrecovery.com/en-us/Index.html

Downloading and Installing Dell Backup and Recovery 1.5 on Windows 8 - YouTube

Dell Windows 8 Recovery.
Windows 8 - Recovery Media in 99 Seconds - YouTube
Recovering Windows using the Dell Direct USB Key - YouTube
Dell Direct USB Key Solution - YouTube
Dell Recovery Mode - Making Recovery CD - YouTube
or
You can order the Microsoft official OEM Recovery disks from the OEM manufacturer's website.
Manuals | Dell US
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
I generally dislike giving this advice, because I'm just the messenger and before I know who I'm even talking to, I just know there's going to be a gun, even if it's only a glancing thought in the recipient's mind.

With a machine that compromised, there really is no way the best of the best professional can give you a seal of approval and guarantee you any type of security, privacy or stability. There is no telling what has been altered, added or removed from the system.

The advice is to use Killdisk to 0 out the drive. Then re-install Windows to the hard drive.

Anything is possible. Malware can be tricky at times. I'd disable Autoplay in Windows, attach the USB drive, then scan it with Malwarebytes.

I know you're probably going to keep the Windows install, though. haha :) (Don't do it!!! But if you do, delete the restore points.)

It wasnt a restore point, it was a reinstall, supposedly. when I reinstalled I picked full format and zeroed it all out
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8, OSX and windows xp
Full format during a Windows install doesn't 0 out the drive.

There's a big difference. Malware can live on with the method you said. With Killdisk or similar, it can not.

Deleting restore points on a "kept" installation at least ensures that malware will not live on from there.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7601.18247.x86fre.win7sp1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-built Intel based
    CPU
    Pentium D 925 3.0 GHz socket 775, Presler @ ~ 3.2 GHz
    Motherboard
    Intel DQ965MT
    Memory
    Hyundai 2 GB DDR2 @ 333 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS DirectCU II HD7790-DC2OC-2GD5 Radeon HD 7790 2GB 128-Bit GDDR5
    Sound Card
    MOTU Traveler firewire interface
    Hard Drives
    1 Seagate Barracuda SATA II system/boot drive 80 GB, 2 Western Digital hdds - 1 is SATA II Caviar Black 1 TB attached to card (assorted media, page, temp), other is SATA I 420 GB (games, media, downloads)
    PSU
    Thermaltake 450W
    Cooling
    stock Gateway cooling, extra large fan in rear of case
    Keyboard
    Alienware/Microsoft Internet kb
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
    Internet Speed
    Optimum Online, fast for US
    Browser
    Pale Moon
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky integrated into ZoneAlarm+Antivirus
If you had a rootkit on the drive then it is possible for it to survive a reinstall in some instances. Rootkits write hidden boot partitions, so your best option is to wipe the drive & then reinstall.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 7 32, Win 7 64 Pro, Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    It's a Dell, Dude.
    CPU
    Intel Caffinated Core Duo
    Motherboard
    Father is bored too.
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia something-or-another
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" HD TV/Monitor/Alternative Dimensional Viewing Portal
    Screen Resolution
    Fuzzy after a couple drinks
    Hard Drives
    2 or 3, depending on if it's a night they're arguing about having a "split personality crisis" because I partitioned the drive.
    Case
    Don't get on my case....man
    Cooling
    Scotch on the rocks on the weekends..
    Keyboard
    Mad Catz Cyborg V7. Or maybe Cyborg Catz Are Mad At V7's??? I know it lights up...far out.
    Mouse
    currently being stalked by the cat...
    Internet Speed
    Never fast enough...
    Browser
    Defeated by Mario...wait...OH...BRowser...
    Antivirus
    Various
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