How do the computer repair guys fix virus infected computers?

Question

1. lets say i have like a dell computer.

2. i give them my computer, no disks or anything.

how do they go about repairing windows and or reloading my programs and files?
i dont want to have to buy an XP disk for every repair! thats very spendy for the customer! so how do they do it?

Answer 1

Windows XP, according to Microsoft licensing requires that the CD Key be on a sticker on the case. Reinstalling just requires one master disk, which is available for purchase.



In the case of Dell, any dell Windows XP install disk will install on a dell machine. There is some sort of BIOS verification. (This is purely anecdotal but I've not be let down yet)



I wouldn't advise trying to "clean" a serious infestation, so I think you are on the right track.



If it's your own computer you should have kept the install media. If you are actually going to a repair shop then they will tell you how they are going to handle it. You wouldn't need a new disk for every repair though - just one disk once.



http://quickpcrepairtips.blogspot.com/

Answer 2

Your question is a pretty good one. With software, it's really not so much about physical media (disks) as it is about licensing. In fact, there are many ways to purchase or legally obtain Windows without getting a disk at all, such as via an MSDN subscription (where they do send you disks, but you can also download disk images from Microsoft).



Most computer repair technicians have a collection of Windows disks for various versions of Windows. Strictly speaking, they should verify you have a valid license before reloading Windows on your computer. However, in reality, most of these technicians are college students (or high school graduates) who are following a list of instructions and could really care less about whether you have a valid license or not. Also, most computers that are pre-loaded with Windows have a license certificate right on the box. So the tech can verify you have a valid license just by looking at that.



As for reloading your programs, they might not have to actually do that. You can do a Windows repair install that does not remove your programs. Generally, this is the "fix-all" employed by many repair technicians who are not confident in their repair skills. It is reasonably effective, but it doesn't solve every problem (especially hardware problems) and it could end up deleting your data and/or programs.



What you may not know is that deleting your data and programs is not a concern of most big-box store technicians. This is because when you give them your computer, you sign a form saying that you have backed up any important data and that they are not liable if they delete your data. Many people don't know this and are very surprised when 5 years worth of digital photos are deleted. So do keep that in mind.



As for buying an XP disk, I'm not sure what you're talking about. Do you mean getting one from Dell? Or is your technician charging you for one? Or are they making you buy another copy of XP?



The technician should be able to provide their own disk (especially if they feel justified in charging $100+ for an OS reinstall). However, if they require you have one, you can get one from Dell for like 10-15 bucks. Just call Dell and tell them you lost you Windows disk and you need a replacement. Then take that disk in whenever you go in for repairs. Or you can always do the repair install yourself. However, if you really have no experience in this, it's best to find someone experienced to help you out the first couple times.



Good luck!

Answer 3

The best way is to download Ccleaner here http://bitly.com/UrALrK



Or you can go on Windows operating system locate the command prompt and go there to do the following:

Create a Recovery file of system and date it today.



Then begin by;

delete the 'Temp' folders..they have hidden subfolders so you need to set the attributes in order to bypass this. For each subfolder delete all cookies and rubbish left behnd after install-uninstalled programs. Do a 'dir' command to check your progress. Make sure the 'Temp' file is empty.



goto c:\windows\prefetch and delete everything in there..no exceptions



goto c:\windows folder and delete all the '$' files that have been installed by updates. They can all be succesfully deleted and just take up disk space.



Locate the Internet Temporary Files..Check to see how high the saving level is..some have it set at 30 days..but that stores faaaar tooo much data..though it slows down the system overal. Keep this to a minimum..suggest 2 or 5 at most.



Delete all 'cookies' all those you don't need.



Locate the windows directory and go through the folders you know and those you don't need. Check this once a week at least. Some programs will install under XP as NT and older systems where there is no check of systems weight.



Check to see that system files have not changed since last booting. Things like .ini files or .bat are important items.





Check for 'Hidden Directories' all over the disk...do this at the command prompt:



dir *.* /ah wil show these hidden directories



Check the 'dir' command for all parameters

Answer 4

Multiple ways....generally they will avoid reloading the system back to the default state as they will be aware that you don't want to lose valuable data.



Often they'll just use many of the various free antivirus & antispyware tools available on the web.

(such as AVG, Avast, Spybot - Search & Destroy, Malwarebytes & various other utilities)



It may sometimes be fixed by simply returning the computer to a previous "restore point" from a time when the computer was clean.



They will have their own XP discs to use if there has to be any reinstallation. (they just have to use your OEM license number which is printed on the COA sticker on the side of your machine)

Dell (& other branded PCs) use the OEM version of XP & therefore require an OEM serial number. (as opposed to a serial number from the retail boxed version of XP)

Answer 5

1. its a dell, dells are the same as any other branded pc.

2. computer repair techs have their own software they use and own disks for booting, if you need your windows programs loaded back on you, the customer, will, and should provide the technican with a bootable xp/vista disk with installation programs on it, it will cost more, other than removing the virus itself. they have software they use, norton, symantec, avast, malwarebytes, other licensed software they use to remove virus'.

Answer 6

They will install their own CD with antivirus software and see if the virus can be removed. Or they will try in a safe mode to remove the virus. If you did not give the CD for Windows XP platform then they will not be able to reload and reformat the platform. Plus they need your CD, as the key will be on the side of the CD. And they must install the correct key for Microsoft WGA. Or you will not be able to donwload all of your critical updates like SP3. Mind Doctor, France

Answer 7

1)

backup your data and run system recovery. In this case you will restore your system to factory settings.



2)

remove your harddrive and fix it on other computer having update antivirus, and go for scan. This is a lengthy process, depending upon how much your harddrive is infected.



I think they prefer the 1st option.



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