backing up files question

I was told by a computer store tech. that when backing up files he scans as well because the "documents and settings" folder was some operating files (hidden) that if/when your computer is infected with a virus or anything (malware etc) if you're doing a backup of that folder, you'll be doing a back up of the malware/virus etc...t or f?
I guess it would be safer to save the sub folders found inside?
Going to back up a friends computer then reinstall their OS and didn't want to copy anything "bad".
thanks.

 

If you are doing a backup, then obviously if the system is infected you will also be copying the virus along with the backup.

Make sure the system isn't infected beforehand, and I always remove unused programs, and delete temp files as well as defragging.

Leaving a folder out of the backup doesn't help there isn't a specific folder that viruses or spyware use.

 

even if the files you're backing up are just jpegs (which, apparently, a virus can attach itself to, or something along those lines...hence MS' malicious removal tool), mp3z and documents as well?

 

I can't tell you with any certainty if the files are infected, you never know though, especially if he has MP3's that he's downloaded.

If you're concerned or want to be thourough, then check them first with the multitude of free scanners or online tools.

 

what i'm asking is...is it possible for mp3z, images, documents to have viruses embedded with them or that these will act as an executable?
just wondering if i should save myself an extra step, rather than scanning files then saving them...just saving them instead.

 

Look, you can run full antivirus scan first and check the whole computer.
But usually all viruses prefer to live in system32 folder - special windows folder (if you haven't put infected file to other place by yourself).
But personaly I have never seen that video, audio and pictures could contain a virus...
As to spyware it can be run with any programs services or process..

Generally speaking it is very unlikely to have a virus in those files but you can check them with your antivirus. IMHO

 

Yes it is possible, not very likely but you can't say they aren't with certainty.