Help Me Uninstall (WME)

[Gazzo]

I got a virus (WIN32:Magistr) it ate a whole lot of files and I can't uninstall the OS to clean it up I really need help as I am completly illiterate when it comes to uninstalling and re-installing of systems, any help would be muchly appreciated. Step by Step guide if possible PLEASE!

[Paul S]

First of all a question: Is there data on your computer that you <font color=red>must</font color=red> keep? The reason I ask is that the easiest way would be to completely wipe the HDD, reformat and install a fresh copy of your OS.

If this is the case then you need:
1. Get a floppy boot disk Click Here!</font color=blue> (http://dos.li5.org/IMGS/WINME.EXE><font)
2. Insert the floppy disk into the 3.5" drive and start the computer (check the BIOS to see what the boot order is set to, you want it to be a: first).
3. Once at the DOS prompt type format c:. You will be asked if you are sure, if you are then proceed. <font color=red>All of your data will be lost!</font color=red>.
4. Format the remaining partitions if applicable.
5. Reboot the computer (floppy bootdisk still inserted).
6. Insert your WME CD-ROM change directory to the CD (The next drive assignment after you last HDD partition).
7. Type setup and follow the onscreen prompts.

Remember you will need to install of your software again and setup Internet Connections etc.

You can try booting from the floppy bootdisk then inserting the WME CD and reinstalling, this will replace all system files and you should be OK. I prefer a clean install myself but it is your choice.

Hope this helps...

<font color=green>Paul</font color=green>

[Nana]

Gazzo,

Before you go uninstalling/reinstalling your OS, have a look at this information from Symantec to see if you can repair the damage:

W32.Magistr.39921@mm (http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.magistr.24876@mm.html>W32.Magistr.24876@mm</a>

<a)

search on Symantec (http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.magistr.corrupt.html>W32.Magistr.corrupt</a>

Also,) for magistr to see if there is anything else which could help you.

Most importantly, when you do get your system up and running, install an AntiVirus Program. Here is <a target="_blank" href=http://www.symantecstore.com/dr/sat/ec_MAIN.Entry17c?CID=33565&SID=27674&SP=10007&PN=5&PID=336510&DSP=&CUR=840&PGRP=0&CACHE_ID=0> Norton AntiVirus 2002</a> from Symantec. There are many more on the market as well.

Nana /images/forums/icons/smile.gif

[Nana]

Gazzo,

Have a look at Tony Klein's post in this <a target="_blank" href=http://www.winguides.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=brdVirus&Number=56381&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&part=> thread</a>. It points to <font color=green>free antivirus software</font color=green>. I don't know anything about 'free versus purchased' antivirus software, but my mother always told me:

<font color=blue>"You only get what you pay for."</font color=blue>

But, in this case, I think another one of her 'Mother-isms' applies instead:

<font color=blue>"Anything is better than nothing!"</font color=blue>

Good luck!
Nana /images/forums/icons/smile.gif

[Paul S]

That is definately the best free AV. I use NAV 2002 and think it is absolutely great (but it costs)- others will disagree.

<font color=green>Paul</font color=green>