Hello, I have a computer with multiple viruses on it. Scanning with different AV and each will give me a different total. A range of 12 -39. Reemoving them is difficult. If I use the re-install CD that came with the puter will that format my hd before re-installing? Would that be my best option?

Hi, With multiple virus problems, it can be simpler and quicker to basically start agin. The re-install CD's that came with your Dell ?? what model, should allow you to re-install Windows XP. What you need to ensure first is that you backup any critical data to removable media, such as CDR. You can deal with any virus problems in those files later. What AV program are you running. You could try on line scans first. Before reiinstalling Windows XP try a few things first. Carry out virus scans with fully up to date signature files or on line http://www.sarc.com or http://uk.trendmicro-europe.com/consumer/products/housecall_launch.php Then download and install Spyware removal software. Ad-Aware, Spywareblaster, Spybot & CWshredder. http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/ http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html http://www.softpedia.com/public/cat/10/17/10-17-150.shtml Run each, update all of them and then run again, removing everything found. hth Ceri

Dee, it sounds like you have a lot of spyware on that unit, and AV programs for the most part do not recognize spyware. Ceri's comment above is good, especially AdAware and Spybot Search and Destroy. Microsoft is gearing up to offer an AS update to XP, and a Beta version is currently being offered for download; you might consider it, but there may be some small bugs (or maybe not): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=321cd7a2-6a57-4c57-a8bd-dbf62eda9671&displaylang=en There are numerous spyware ripoffs out there that offer "Anti Spyware Programs" for download, but in reality they are hijackers themselves!! Check this list and do not download any of these: http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime; Then industry pollutes the water and kills all the fish.

Hi Dee, Can you give us a list of the viruses names and there location, as there are specific tools to remove specific viruses, worms and trojans. we then know where to send you and what to recommend to get help not just guessing. If any advice helps, please post back as it might help others.