Backup and Format Help?! PLS?

[KingThomas]

Hey all. I have some nasty malware/spyware/virus infection on my PC.

I am not that tech savy when it comes to this stuff. Although I can pick up anything with proper instruction.

Norton Anti-Virus wont clean my computer.
I don't really feel like paying for spyware doctor or anything else.

I have so much junk on my computer, I'd actually like to wipe my C:/ op/sys drive clean (format?) and start from scratch.

I'd like to keep my operating system Win XP and Microsoft Office apps, but I don't have the original software disks.

There is another D:/ hard drive on my PC that I keep all of my music on (over 80 gigs). I'd like to keep this intact.


SUMMARY:

Format C:/ and keep windows xp and microsft office.
Keep D:/ intact.



Any instruction for a novice to safely do this would be so appreciated!
Maybe a six pack and some stogies for the one who can send me instructions?
A round of drinks at Frozen Furry? Something. I need help and don't want to spend a bunch of money on software or tech support.

[HeShootsNScores]

well... theres no way to format your C:\ without getting rid of your OS and your microsoft apps. If you don't have the disks then you're pretty much out of luck there.

Here's some stuff you can do.

-- download SpyBot Search and Destroy HERE ----> LINK --- its free, even though he asks for you to donate. Download the latest protection uipdates and let the sucker scan. When it's done, click "fix selected problems"

-- download the latest security updates for your version of NAV (norton anti virus) at the symantec website. It isn't hard to find. Make sure that you download the correct updates for your version of the software. Download it to your desktop, then double click on it to deploy it to your current version of NAV.

-- Disable system restore, and you can do this by clicking "Start >> all programs>> Accessories >> System tools>> system restore" Once you're in that menu, click on 'system restore settings' and check the checkbox that says "turn off system restore" click yes, when it asks you if you're sure, and then ok.

-- Restart the computer in safe mode... you know how to do that? Press F8 repeatedly when its booting up until it gives you the option to boot up into safe mode. When you're in safe mode, run a full system scan on your updated NAV.

-- While in safe mode, it may not hurt to run SpyBot again.

-- Run a chkdsk. Start >> Run>> chkdsk /f



Um... yeah... thats pretty much it.

Your other option is to acquire the disks for Windows XP and Microsoft Office. They aren't too hard to come by.... then formatting the whole thing. However... since you don't have that... try what I put up.

[Creeping Death]

Try using Spybot, Windows Defender, and SmitFraudFix. You can also try Ewido. All of those are free software. Make sure to update all of them, and run them under safe mode (press F8 before loading windows.)

[KingThomas]

excellent guys! I'm trying this right now! I'm sure the scans will take a little while...so when I can get back online, I'll be sure to report back. THX and KARMA!!