How to Format Windows XP With a Virus
A computer virus can completely ruin your day, especially if it is one that your anti-virus programs can't seem to get rid of. Although it is rare, when this occurs it can completely gum up your system and ruin your productivity. However, your computer is not a lost cause. You can reformat your hard drive and reinstall Windows XP to get rid of any virus programs.
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Instructions
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Back up any and all files you need to keep from the computer you are about to format. Place these files on a blank CD-Rom. The CD-Rom will allow you to keep the files separate so you can check them for viruses before returning them to your computer.
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Place the Windows XP disc into the disc drive and restart the computer. Press any key when the "Press any key to boot from CD" message appears.
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Press "Enter" on your keyboard when the first set of options appears on the screen to begin a new installation of Windows XP.
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Press "F8" to agree to the Windows End User License Agreement.
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Press "Esc" at the next set of options to continue a new installations. The other option is to press "R" to repair a previous installation that will not get rid of the virus.
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Highlight a partition which already exists on your computer and press "D" to delete. Press "Enter" to confirm deletion. Press "L" to reconfirm deletion (these two confirmations are a safety feature). Deleting the partitions will force your computer to re-format upon Windows installation.
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Press "C" to create a new partition at the next screen. Press "Enter" at the next screen to create a new partition.
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Press "Enter" to install Windows XP in the newly created partition. This should get rid of the virus on your computer.
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Tips & Warnings
If you wish, you can create several partitions (which show on your PC as "drives") if you want to separate your computer into sections for better organization. It doesn't affect the installation at all.
Formatting your hard drive will not only get rid of the virus, but it will also delete every single file on your drive. Make sure you have backed up everything you might need in the future.
References
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