DO I NEED TO REINSTALL WINDOWS (HACKED COMPUTER???)

Question

I had several problems with my computer. For starters, I think that it wasn't setup correctly in the first place and that was the start of all my problems. I completed the Dell Reinstall and things appeared to be alright. But then things started to go wrong again when my computer ran on the wireless internet in an unprotected network. The next time that I logged onto my computer, things appeared to be the same as usual but there were subtle changes, some I noticed in the beginning, others I eventually noticed later. The first thing I noticed was the the display had a few changes. 1) the bar at the bottom that was normally blue was now white etc.  THE STRANGEST: 2.) When I opened the Task Manager, in the Processes tab where User Names appear, my user name no longer appeared. And under the Users tab, there was no user name at all. 3.) Whenever I tried to find out system information about my computer (like in Word) it told me that there were components that were missing or corrupt. 4.) It also appeared that my computer had somewhat of a mind of it's own. When I opened up programs.. they would open sometimes but do things that I didn't want it to do. 5.) When I clicked on anything to open / launch it, something would flash briefly in the Application tab then the actual task would appear.   There were a few other things that I noticed, these are just a few. I contacted Dell and they told me that Windows would have to be reinstalled. They stated that it was a software issue (they refused to tell me anything else) and I would have to pay for support (not an option at this time). So for the time being I just used the Dell restore until I can find out what my options are, if any, and what exactly the problem was in the first place.   Is reinstalling Windows my only option? Can anyone tell me what is wrong and what I should do. It would be greatly appreciated.

osprey4 · Answer

Yes, that would be the safest option. Then you want to make sure not to go online or connect to anything before you have a firewall installed. The best approach is to keep the computer disconnected from the internet until you've installed Windows and SP2. You can download SP2 ahead of time and put it on a CD-R.   EDIT: If you use PCRestore, that would be fine as long as it includes SP2. Message Edited by osprey4 on 12-02-2005 07:32 PM

LCDmaster · Answer

If you mean someone, meaning someone else was in your computer and Spying on your ware. then find who the hacker was and report it to the FBI. that'd be the safest thing to do. because I don't report viruses and hackers without a fight!!!:smileymad:

osprey4 · Answer

I rather doubt the average computer user has the savvy to do that.

Libra1 · Answer

I have a question. I have heard that if you have a virus in the master boot record reinstalling Windows with the format that it does isn't enough and that you have to do an f/disk. Is that true? If so, how do you do an f/disk in XP Home?

Thank you.

Sincerely, Libra

Denny Denham · Answer

Libra1, FDISK is done in XP the same way as in any version of Windows (see this. However, that may not remove the virus. Also see the discussion here.

Libra1 · Answer

Hi Denny,
Thank you for those links. I got confused with a few steps in the FDisk and at the end it says it will not work properly with an NTFS system.

Do you know where I would find the utility to do a low level format on the drive? I have a Dimension 8400 with an Serial ATA harddrive. Specifications say it is a WDC WD800JD-75JNAO (size 74.50GB). I went to the Western Digital site and put those numbers in the search and didn't come up with anything.

Otherwise, if I ever got a mbr virus I think I'd be out of luck. Would I have to purchase a new harddrive?

Sincerely, Libra

Denny Denham · Answer

Libra1,

During my search for a brief but meaningful link to answer your earlier question I cam across a site which specifically recommended against a low level format in the event of a boot sector virus. If you are using an antivirus program with updated signatures the odds of getting virus in general are very remote and the odds of getting a boot sector virus are even more so.

Libra1 · Answer

Thanks for your reply, Denny. Based on that, I won't be concerned about this. Sincerely, Libra

Windows General

DO I NEED TO REINSTALL WINDOWS (HACKED COMPUTER???)

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