Rebuilding a PC

The ugly task of rebuilding a PC is not for the technically challenged or the 'wing it' birds. Completing this effort takes time and knowledge. Here is the simplified steps that I took last night to rebuild the PC:

1. Disconnected the internet from my firewall/switch/router to isolate my network from the 'dangerous world of the web'.
2. Connected my virus filled PC to my local network and copied select data type files that I wanted to keep. It is best to run virus protection on these files to make sure you are not unknowingly spreading the virus.
3. Re-partitioned and re-formatted the hard drives on the virus filled PC. I maybe wrong, but it is my understanding that no virus can survive this step.
4. Installed Windows, virus software, internet security, and then plugged in the internet cable back into my firewall/switch/router. Note that my protection software is installed before I connect to the internet. Don't take chances.
5. Install the correct drivers and updated my Windows with the latest patches from Microsoft.
6. Installed other productivity software as needed. No games... yet.

The version of Windows that I have is 2000 Professional SP2. This effort took about 6 hours to complete. If you do not care about keeping any data, you can trim off 1.5 hours of searching and copying. The end result is nice and worth the pain... the computer is running much faster and it is virus free.

Tonight I have a meeting to attend so I will not get much computer repair time... there are some small issues that still need to be addressed before the PC is 'kid' ready. They are waiting... I am sure you can hear them if you listen: 'Dad, when is it going to be ready?'

Pain and Suffering from a Virus

One of my three PC's has a virus that I can not get cleaned up. The symtoms are that the PC slows down at times because the virus is taking screen shots and it maybe key stroke logging... My virus protection and Spybot 1.3 software is not picking it up. I do know it is a variant of the Matrix virus that replaces the WinSock32.dll and interferes with the virus protection software.

Anyway, I unplugged this computer from my network until I can rebuild it from scratch. Disconnecting the network cable from the PC will isolated it from the rest of the world just incase it was a trojan version of the virus.

It is recommended by several websites that rebuilding the PC is the only sure way to recover. Which brings me to a point. Don't take extreme actions without getting a second opinion. Use others that are proven and trustworthy as a sounding board before you do major changes to your PC. It will save you time and help with any PC headaches.

How did I get the virus? Well, someone (one of the kids) did not adhere to their dad's warnings about visiting and downloading 'non approved' games from 'non approved' websites or they opened an email that was 'cool' or 'important'. Regardless, the kids will lose all of their install games and associated data. That is a big price to pay for kids that are gamers.

The Meaning of Names

One of my foster children wanted to know want his name means. So
we went searching the internet to find a good site for name
definitions. Behind the Name has a very good list of names and apparently accurate definitions. Enjoy.

Prudent Software Purchases

Generally, I try to buy the 'latest' versions off of EBay. I have done this several times with satisfactory results. Usually, you will get a 30% to 80% discount this way. The 'fun' is in the bidding and you need to pay close attention to EBay's recommendations on software purchases. It is rare that I purchase software from a store unless it is on sale.

If you are looking for 'older' versions, I have purchased from 'cheap software' web stores. Watch out for extreme shipping costs and shop around for the best price.

Another source of software is garage sales. I know, this is not high tech, but moms grow weary of the CD clutter around the computer desk and will 'liquidate' good software that is collecting dust. My son is a huge fan of Axis and Allies (a board game converted to PC) , so his uncle found a copy at a garage sale for a buck. Guess who my son's favorite uncle is now?

CAUTION: As in all purchases, be wise, be careful, and be willing to assume risk if purchasing used software. Some CDs require install codes, and if you do not get them with the CD, you are wasting your money. Some install codes are not transferable, so the software manufacture can refuse to activate your software. Also respect licensing and copyright issues... don't buy a copied CD, and when possible, ask if the seller has deleted it from their computer.