Reformatting HDD in Win2K

[prctr]

Can you folks help me wipe my Win2k hard drive, so as to allow a reinstall of the OS? :wub:

I'm thinking of replacing Win2K with a more basic Win98, but can't get a low-level format done. I have boot disks for Win2K (all four!), but when I try to boot the system to the floppies, it gives me the message "non-system disk error." :(

Additionally, it will NOT let me press the Del key during startup so as to enter the new boot sequence (reflecting that I want it to boot from floppy first). :censored:

This machine is infected with trojans, all manner of virus, and probably the plaque, too. I've tried sanitising the thing, with poor results.

My next move is to try: HiJack This!, which Drovers Dog was kind enough to send me :huh: , but beyond that, this machine is little better than a large paperweight at this point. :censored:

Not only THAT, but if the RAM and BIOS are also infected, reformatting won't fix it, will it? :angry:

All help will be greatly appreciated! B) Gotta go to work - will check for replies later. Thanks, guys (and ladies, "sheilas," or whatever politically correct moniker is presently in fashion). (uh oh, I'm in for it now.............. :mellow: Thanks, Prctr

[expertec]

Hi, RAM can't be infected permanently, a virus can only be held in ram while the computer is running, RAM is reset whenever the computer is turned off.

Also I think it is unlikely that your BIOS is infected, are you sure you got the right key for this? most BIOS use Del but some use other keys

EDIT: what file system is it using now? NTFS or FAT32?

[Guest ellas]

have a read of this http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/win2000/t1050354155

[mark2]

And of course do let us see a Hijackthis log, chances are we can disinfect it :huh:

[Agent Smith]

prctr, if you really want to go for a fresh install (not such a bad idea from time to time), then I would definitely recommend that you stick to a fresh install of Win 2000. As ellas's link points out, you will be able to reformat the hdd when booting from the 2k cd.

If you feel you must go back to Win98, you should also be able to format your hdd using the fdisk tool from a Win98 boot disc. If you have a 2k cd, you can also use it to completely erase the current partition.

Hope this helps.

Mr. M.

[prctr]

Folks -

Again, I'll say it: I m astounded at the intelligent and knowledgeable suggestions & questions.

I have to run right now, but will reply that (a) I do have "Hijack This", and (B) have no idea how to send or post the results of that scan so you guys can look at it. I'll read the MANY responses when I get home later.

Thanks so much for being out there. (Of course, Drovers Dog TOLD ME you all were sort of "out there." He wouldn't go as far as describing any of you as drongos, however.....................

:D Prctr :lol:

[prctr]

To expertec - I'm using NTFS right now - but am not bound by it...............

[Intratech]

Lets see. Expertec is right, RAM is volatile memory and as such as soon as the power goes the data stored in RAM is destroyed.

What type of motherboard do you have?

What type of HDDs are you using?

Can't you even enter the bios at all? have you tried clearing the CMOS, either by using the jumper or by taking out the battery for a few minutes, and then rebooting?

I'd say stick to Win2k as well, it's a much more stable and more efficient OS.

[nellie2]

I have to run right now, but will reply that (a) I do have "Hijack This", and (B) have no idea how to send or post the results of that scan so you guys can look at it.  I'll read the MANY responses when I get home later. 

You go to this board, you run hijackthis and click the scan button, after a little while the scan button will change to save log. Click save log and you will be prompted to save your log somewhere.... the same folder as hijackthis is always a good idea..... save it and a notepad will pop up. Copy the contents of the notepad... Ctrl+A will select all... then Ctrl+C will copy. Start a new thread in the hijack board and just paste the contents of your clipboard into your text box. :)