Got virus and need to do a clean install of Windows XP

Hello

My Windows XP has been infected by malware, and I have been told that the infection has spread to so many files that it is now beyond the point where there is any way to repair it. Even if I run all kinds of anti-virus scans, or any other methods, the virus will keep on repairing itself. I want to back up as much as possible, but since so much of my computer is infected, I'm afraid I might back up infected files, which would just give me the virus again. I have been told that any programs I have NOT installed from a Non-writable CD/DVD should be considered infected, but I am still paranoid that other types of files may be infected as well.

I have also already tried a repair install of Windows XP, but it did not get rid of the malware. I have to do a clean install of Windows XP, but first I want to make sure that all of the files I back up are safe.

Is there a way for me to check to find out whether or not specific software and files are infected? Like by running scans on only specific folders?

 

Go to your Program or File folders.
Right clicking should give an option for scanning on each individual one you right click on.

 

Thank you
I have managed to put all of the files I want to back up into one folder, and I right clicked on it and scanned it with Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware. The scan found 0 infected objects.

Just to be absolutely sure that it is safe to back the folder up, is it possible that the scan could have missed any infections? I mean, can viruses make themselves undetectable to certain scans? And is it worth scanning the folder with other anti-virus scans(such as SUPERAnti Spyware) just to make sure? Or is Malwarebytes reliable enough?

Sorry I'm just a little paranoid that my computer will get infected again right after I reinstall everything.

 

I forgot to mention that the virus that infected my computer is called "Virut".

I've read that this virus is really bad, and I have read on some websites that it infects all exe files. However, in the folder that I intend to back up, I have quite a few exe files(games, for example), and the scan didn't find any infections. I also scanned those exe files individually, and it still found no infections.

Is the part about virut infecting all exe files true?

 

I believe that chaslang and dr. moriarty both answered your questions about using exe. files that you backed up, and if I were you would take their advice seriously! Mbam and SuperAntiSpyware are not antivirus applications!

 

Okay, I have done a clean reinstall of windows XP professional sp3.

However, the screen resolution is stuck at 640 x 480.

I've gone to display properties and settings, and I can't make it any bigger.

HELP!

 

Sounds like you need install video drivers. Do you have a disc with drivers that came with your computer or video card? Alternatively, if you know what video card you have, you can download the drivers from Nvidia's or ATI's website.

 

I forgot to mention, the computer I am posting from now is not mine.

My computer is not yet connected to the internet.

Once I get it connected, would downloading windows updates solve the problem?

 

I have seen them listed in the optional software section before, so worth a look, especially if using onboard Intel graphics( which I do).