Paging file lost due to a really, really fucked up virus.

KING LITERATE

About 4 (or 3) months ago, I tried downloading the trial version of a DVD burning program known as "Prassi Primo DVD". I downloaded it from a random website (due to the fact this particular program is quite difficult to find).

Big mistake..D:

I ended up downloading one of the worst viruses I have ever downloaded in all my history of computers (the kind that bypasses virus scanners). It almost completely destroyed the registry settings in some of my programs (AIM, for example). Everytime I set up a PF size, I still get the "There is no PF, or PF is too small" nonsense. Due to all this, I'm left with only one option:

Format the shit out of it.


Here's where you guys come in. I need to know the answers to these questions:


1. If I choose the "All information in this computer" option, do the Registry settings and System files count as well, or the just the normal files and programs?.... What? .... Don't laugh..

2. There's a version of Linux on my HDD as well (courtesy of my deceased pop). Is there a way I can back that up as well?

Please answer the questions. My HDD's usefulness hangs in the balance..:(

Lewisham

Shounen ninja wrote: »

Format the shit out of it.


Here's where you guys come in. I need to know the answers to these questions:


1. If I choose the "All information in this computer" option, do the Registry settings and System files count as well, or the just the normal files and programs?.... What? .... Don't laugh..

2. There's a version of Linux on my HDD as well (courtesy of my deceased pop). Is there a way I can back that up as well?

Not being a Windows user for a long time, where do you see "All information in this computer"? In some backing up software, or in a Windowsy "Format this disk" menu?

Formatting is pretty much the armageddon of computing, so I'm going to presume you have tried an anti-virus program first.

The cleverest thing to do in this situation is to make an image of your disk(s) to something else, preferrably another hard drive if you can get one. If not, CDs will have to do, but make a double copy of your important documents in case the other disc fails.

Then reformat, and put back the programs you think you need, from original installers. Get an up-to-date virus scanner on there at the same time. Then put back your documents and other stuff. Don't copy anything you don't have to, such as your Windows folder. By just doing a straight copy back, you may well end up propagating the virus again.

If you are unsure about doing this, my suggestion is not to without a full disk image. You will weep blood if you destroy something valuable to you.

As far as Linux goes, reformatting will destroy your Master Boot Record as well. You'll need to make the partition (using fdisk from a DOS startup disc or the Linux installer boot disc) before you install Windows. You can then install a fresh Linux version, and just copy back the stuff you want again. I don't suggest copying the image back, although you can do so happily, because I think if you're going to have it on there, you should have a working understanding of it, which you won't get if you copy stuff directly back again. Linux does make a lot of assumptions as to your knowledge of it.

KING LITERATE

Lewisham wrote: »

Shounen ninja wrote: »

Format the shit out of it.


Here's where you guys come in. I need to know the answers to these questions:


1. If I choose the "All information in this computer" option, do the Registry settings and System files count as well, or the just the normal files and programs?.... What? .... Don't laugh..

2. There's a version of Linux on my HDD as well (courtesy of my deceased pop). Is there a way I can back that up as well?

Not being a Windows user for a long time, where do you see "All information in this computer"? In some backing up software, or in a Windowsy "Format this disk" menu?

Formatting is pretty much the armageddon of computing, so I'm going to presume you have tried an anti-virus program first.

The cleverest thing to do in this situation is to make an image of your disk(s) to something else, preferrably another hard drive if you can get one. If not, CDs will have to do, but make a double copy of your important documents in case the other disc fails.

Then reformat, and put back the programs you think you need, from original installers. Get an up-to-date virus scanner on there at the same time. Then put back your documents and other stuff. Don't copy anything you don't have to, such as your Windows folder. By just doing a straight copy back, you may well end up propagating the virus again.

If you are unsure about doing this, my suggestion is not to without a full disk image. You will weep blood if you destroy something valuable to you.

Would buying backup software (say, Acronis True Image) be a good idea? I could make two sets of backups: The CD backups, and the backup files which could go on my Win2K HDD.