I'm dealing with a serious malware problem, specifically a lot of trojans on my computer. I'd like to know if I can trust Malwarebytes to clean them up, or if I should just go ahead and reinstall Windows instead. Also, if I reinstall, how can I ensure that my backup files are clean and not containing any malware? The idea of reinstalling Windows feels daunting, that's why I'm hesitant to go that route!
5 Answers
Reinstalling is definitely the recommended approach here if you want peace of mind. Make sure to disconnect from the internet while cleaning up or reinstalling to avoid any new infections. Just back up your important documents, not the entire system!
It sounds like you have quite a mess on your hands! With multiple infections, it’s usually best to go for a fresh Windows reinstall. This way, you eliminate the risk of lingering malware. When you do, make sure to scan your backups with different anti-malware tools just to be safe – you don’t want to restore infected files. And hey, if it makes the process easier, try to have some good tunes ready and maybe order in your favorite food while you’re at it!
If you trust Malwarebytes, you might feel comfortable using your PC after cleaning it up. But if you have doubts or feel uneasy about it, hitting the reset button with a fresh install is the way to go. It's better to be safe than sorry, especially if you have important files to protect!
Honestly, a fresh install of Windows is your safest bet. Once your OS is clean before reinstalling, run a scan on your backups using a couple of different tools to ensure they’re not infected. Don’t forget to change all your passwords after you’ve cleaned your system!
Since malware can be tricky, make sure to scan everything meticulously. Also, after getting your system set up again, consider using a Linux live USB with some anti-virus tools to double check for any malware lurking around! That's an extra layer of safety.
Thanks for the tips! I copied my important files to a USB after the infection. Are there specific scans you recommend for making sure those files aren't infected?