Due to the myincredibar.com virus, I have to wipe my HD and reinstall windows XP.
Is it possible to copy the HD as it is, wipe the drive, reinstall windows, then simply copy all of my information from the HD back onto the computer?
It would be nicer than having to download everything onto the computer and having to look for it all.
In other words, I want to completely wipe out my computer, then after reinstalling windows, be able to make my computer exactly like it was prior to wipe (without the virus of course). Is that possible?
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posted: Jul. 2, 2012 @ 10:54p
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qcumber98
Pickled
posted: Jul. 2, 2012 @ 11:45p
Yes, you will have to reinstall your apps too. I did a quick Google search and found the same question asked in Microsoft Answers. Link But they are mostly post-whores than actually helpful.
lordoffire
Senior Member - 4K
posted: Jul. 3, 2012 @ 1:48a
No it does not work like that; you can copy as much data as you can "identify or locate" but you'd have to completely reinstall all the programs and any settings would be gone.
Not to mention you run the risk of getting re re infected by opening/mounting the backup to retrieve the files.
Before you do anything....did you ever run Combofix as I suggested? The people at bleeping computer live and breath just to help people with stuff like this.
minidrag
Senior Member - 4K
posted: Jul. 3, 2012 @ 6:39a
In my experience the incredibar spyware isn't that bad. You certainly may have a new variant of it though.
As was said before, you can back up your data, but not your programs.
Something to think about, for after you get this working - get an imaging program. Once the machine is working as you want create an image of it. That image can be used in the future if you need to start over.
BADADVICE
Cranky Member
posted: Jul. 3, 2012 @ 1:58p
After you wipe, you can automate the installation of many common programs by using Ninite. You just choose want you want it to install and it takes care of the rest. It even refuses to install all those "bonus" toolbars etc. that seem to come with everything these days.
skh12
Senior Member - 2K
posted: Jul. 3, 2012 @ 8:39p
incredibar might not be that bad, but once it gets it's hooks in it opens the door for a host of system rapes
minidrag said: In my experience the incredibar spyware isn't that bad. You certainly may have a new variant of it though.
As was said before, you can back up your data, but not your programs.
Something to think about, for after you get this working - get an imaging program. Once the machine is working as you want create an image of it. That image can be used in the future if you need to start over.
lordoffire
Senior Member - 4K
posted: Jul. 3, 2012 @ 9:26p
skh12 said: incredibar might not be that bad, but once it gets it's hooks in it opens the door for a host of system rapes if you get infected with anything, it's always good to physically disconnect from the internet in the likely even they are trying to steal your info
chocula
Handsome Member
posted: Jul. 3, 2012 @ 10:16p
Thanks for the information everyone.
1. Yes, I did run Combofix on both computers, but it did not remove myincredibar. I will post at bleepingcomputer.com as well. 2. I have read about incredibar and the comment range from it is almost harmless to it will steal your soul. My preference is to get rid of it. I do have the backup, but this is just annoying. 2A. Do you have a recommendation of an imaging program? I have an older copy of Acronis True Image, but I believe it is about 3-4 years ago. It looks like these are the tops ones this year: http://disk-imaging-software-review.toptenreviews.com/ 3. Ninite looks incredible. Thanks for the link.
I also have Wipe Drive, but I believe it will delete everything except for what originally came from my computer.
I have to admit that this stinks and is so annoying.
I really appreciate everyone for the help and assistance.
lordoffire
Senior Member - 4K
posted: Jul. 3, 2012 @ 11:11p
chocula said: Thanks for the information everyone.
1. Yes, I did run Combofix on both computers, but it did not remove myincredibar. I will post at bleepingcomputer.com as well. 2. I have read about incredibar and the comment range from it is almost harmless to it will steal your soul. My preference is to get rid of it. I do have the backup, but this is just annoying. 2A. Do you have a recommendation of an imaging program? I have an older copy of Acronis True Image, but I believe it is about 3-4 years ago. It looks like these are the tops ones this year: http://disk-imaging-software-review.toptenreviews.com/ 3. Ninite looks incredible. Thanks for the link.
I also have Wipe Drive, but I believe it will delete everything except for what originally came from my computer.
I have to admit that this stinks and is so annoying.
I really appreciate everyone for the help and assistance. well....you might be screwed
...get what data you want to keep, and put it someplace safe...then wipe with DBAN (thoroughly!) and reinstall
any recent version of Acronis would be fine...I believe it was free not that long ago
chocula
Handsome Member
posted: Jul. 3, 2012 @ 11:58p
Nothing new was created since the last wipe, so the laptop is an easy one. I will double check on the desktop to ensure I am not losing anything.
Thanks
lordoffire
Senior Member - 4K
posted: Jul. 4, 2012 @ 12:01a
did you have a backup before all this started that you could fall back on?
Tresh
Senior Member - 2K
posted: Jul. 4, 2012 @ 12:36a
i still use my free copy of Acronis true image 7 from years ago and have had no issues, though i don't restore very often.
minidrag
Senior Member - 4K
posted: Jul. 4, 2012 @ 7:07a
The biggest thing to be careful of with imaging software is compatibility with your OS. If it is too old it may not correctly recognize some of the newer things that Windows Vista and Windows 7 do with the boot sectors and therefore might create an image that won't restore correctly. As long as your OS is covered though, you should be good.
As with any backup program you should run a test. Install your OS (don't waste time doing anything else yet, in case the test fails and you need to start over) and make an image. Format the drive. Restore the image. If it works, great, start installing your drivers and programs. If it fails, time to upgrade / change to another program.
chocula
Handsome Member
posted: Jul. 4, 2012 @ 11:08a
I do have all of my information backed up and will try my Acronis to image my drive and restore it.
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