I'm considering a factory reset for my PC since I've had it for around six months since the last reset. I want to transfer some backup files before doing it, particularly my Minecraft world and other personal files like pictures and videos. The reason behind the reset is my paranoia about malware. I usually download files that I'm sure are safe and run scans with VirusTotal, Malwarebytes, and Microsoft Defender, but I worry that malware might sneak in unnoticed. So, if I move my backup files to a USB drive, could any lurking malware on my PC infect those files during the transfer?
4 Answers
Transferring files via USB could risk spreading malware if your PC is currently infected. However, if you're careful and do an offline transfer (not connecting the USB until you're sure your computer is clean), it should be okay. Consider using tools like WinPE for a cleaner transfer.
If you think your computer might be infected with malware, a factory reset may not be enough. It's safer to completely reinstall Windows from a USB stick rather than relying on a reset which can pull backup files from your recovery partition. Just back up your personal files, and you should be alright.
USB drives can fail unexpectedly, so be cautious with them. I recommend using an external hard drive instead for backups. Also, make sure that any transfer is done after you've ensured that your files are clean with a thorough antivirus scan.
Using a USB drive to transfer files does carry some risk. A virus could potentially infect the drive as soon as it's connected. For peace of mind, try using a Linux live USB to check your files before transferring them. This way, you can safely move your data without risking any malware.
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