[LostInTexas]

A friend has a severely infected computer. He is currently set up with XP Home. He tried to install XP Pro, but the system wouldn't allow it because the version he wants to install is older than the version he is running.

I guess this means we'll need to use a start-up disk. I downloaded one from my XP Home, but it is DOS command, which I don't know.

Can someone explain to me, step by step, how to get this done?

I'm working with the security team here to try and eliminate some major viruses. Friend is seriously considering a wipe & re-install. I'd like to be ready to help him either way he decides to go.

Thanks for your time.

 

[Rashiki]

If it's really serious and there are a lot of infections that are hard to get rid of, it's most likely best to save the files you can onto a CD or external drive, and wipe and reinstall.

 

[LostInTexas]

If it's really serious and there are a lot of infections that are hard to get rid of, it's most likely best to save the files you can onto a CD or external drive, and wipe and reinstall.

I agree, but it's his decision. I think that is what he will do. He tried but couldn't do it. He asked for my help. I need help helping him because I don't know DOS.

 

[Tumbleweed36]

Hi,

You won't need a startup disk if you have a valid version of XP. The XP disk is self booting and you can format and install from that disk.

However, if you have that kind of stuff on your hard disk, you might be wasting your time reinstalling, unless you use a utility like Dban to clean the drive completely. Unfortunately a regular format in this case most likely will leave some remnents that will still be there. Therefore, the need for a complete clean before the reinstall.

Here is a link if you need to do that:

http://dban.sourceforge.net/l.

 

[LostInTexas]

When the disk is installed and setup is commenced it says that it can't be installed because the currently installed system is newer than what is being installed. It will not allow you to continue. How can I format before installing the disk? Seems that would take care of the problem. Does DBAN format?

 

[Tumbleweed36]

Hi,

You should be able to get that far in order to partition and format. However, if it does not and you don't want to do the much longer process of Dban, then go to the hard disk drive manufacturer's utility, download the manufacuter's utility and use that to partition and format. If you use the one that is most intensive, It will most likely clean it out. I don't know the brand name of the drive are working on, so here is a link to all of them:

http://tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287