I got a virus and after cleaning the computer doesn't work as smooth as before. I gives some strange erros and sometimes it justs hangs up... I want to backup Outlook Express emails and settings before reinstall, and restore afterwards. Any help?

Reinstalling Windows is not a good idea as that is ALWAYS a last resort effort. If you reinstall Windows, you will certainly be months, if not YEARS behind in critical updates and patches. This may also include hardware drivers needed for SP2, updates to all your applications, including any security applications, all your email, work and school papers, bookmarks/favorites, and any desktop customization you have done. If you do not have an original Windows installation disk (NOT a "recovery" disk often provided by PC makers) then reinstalling Windows becomes much more difficult, at best.

Below is my canned text on cleaning your system of malware. I recommend you run though it first, then see if your system does not run better.

**********
Important Note: For all of the following suggested programs, and before every scan, use each application's "update" feature to ensure you have installed the latest signature/definition files. This is necessary even if you just downloaded the most recent version of the application. Also, please be aware that some of the software is free to home and non-commercial use only. Be sure to read the EULAs before using.

Another Important Note: To avoid conflicts, ensure only one firewall and one "real-time" (also known as "in resident", "in memory", "auto-protect" or "active scanning") scanner program of the same type is running at any given time. That is, have only one firewall, one real-time anti-virus, one real-time anti-spyware, and one real-time anti-Trojan program running at any time.

• Delete Temporary Files - before scanning to rid system of thousands of temporary files. This action often significantly reduces scanning times and may clear out files that are corrupt or are infected with malware. Deleting cookies as well ensures all "tracking cookies" are removed too. Note that deleting cookies will force the manual entry of user names and passwords for sites requiring them on your next visit, so make sure you know them.
  
  I recommend CCleaner. During installation, uncheck the option to install the Yahoo toolbar. Before first use, check Options > Settings and ensure is unchecked.
  
  To delete temporary files directly from the browser without using CCleaner, do the following:
  • Internet Explorer 7
    • Click on Tools > Delete Browsing History...,
      Click the Delete all... button,
      Check Also delete files and settings stored by add-ons.
      Click Yes.
    Internet Explorer 6 or earlier
    • Go to Tools > Internet Options> select the General tab,
      Click the Delete Cookies button, then OK,
      Click the Delete Files button, ensure Delete all offline content is checked, then OK.
    Mozilla Firefox
    • Go to Tools > Options,
      Click the Privacy button,
      Click the Clear All button,
      Click Clear All Information.

• Scan for Spyware - No one anti-spyware program gets them all. Therefore, it is necessary to use an arsenal of tools. Past controversy over some anti-spyware makers' decisions to delist known spyware emphasizes the need to attack on different fronts. I recommend you download, install, and use the latest versions of both of the following:
  • SpyBot Search and Destroy - Do not install TeaTimer
    
    AdAware SE
    
    If you don't have a current real-time scanner, get one NOW!. I recommend using either Microsoft Windows Defender or SUPERAntiSpyware, both decent and free "real-time" anti-spyware scanners.
    
    Alternatively, AVG Anti-Spyware (formally "ewido") is proving to be an able product, plus it includes ewido's anti-Trojan scanner.
    
    There are many good anti-spyware alternatives - there are more malicious fakes! Beware! Ensure any anti-spyware under consideration is not listed on the Spyware Warrior List of Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites before thinking about downloading.

• Scan for Trojans - As in the fight against spyware, it is best to hit Trojans with a variety of weapons.
  
  • Trojan Hunter (30-day trial version) - skip if using AVG Anti-Spyware/ewido from above
    
    CWShredder (stand-alone version) checks for and cleans all known CoolWebSearch variants

• Scan for Viruses and Worms - Assuming you have an anti-virus program, download the latest signature files and perform a thorough scan. If you don't have an anti-virus program, get one NOW!, update the signature file, and perform a thorough scan. AVG Free is excellent. I keep one running in "auto-protect" mode, and another for "on-demand" scanning. Remember to disable the running scanner before scanning with the "on-demand" scanner.
  
  Scan with one or both (in turn) of these free on-line virus scanners as a double or even triple check. Some very malicious malware have been known to disable PC based AV scanners. These on-line scanners help compensate for that. Temporarily disable your real-time AV scanner first.
  • Trend Micro HouseCall
    or
    PandaSoft ActiveScan

• Scan for Rootkits - Rootkit is a term originating in the UNIX world to describe a set of "stealthy" tools used to obtain and/or maintain root access. A person with "root" access can do anything. Windows rootkits gain access by exploiting known vulnerabilities on un-patched systems, then use that access to install a "backdoor" to maintain that access to your system. Use one of the following:
  
  • AVG Anti-Rootkit Free
    or
    Microsoft Rootkit Revealer

• Firewalls - If you are not using a software based firewall, get one of these NOW!
  
  • Comodo Free Firewall,
    Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall,
    or
    ZoneAlarm - a long time favorite but is losing support among experts for foisting unwanted extras on unsuspecting users. To avoid installing unwanted items and toolbars, download the ZoneAlarm Pro Trial version instead of the Free version. You can then allow it to expire after the trial period, leaving you with a fully operational Free version, but without the other add-ins and bloat the Free version download dumps on you.
    
    Important Note - XP SP2's Windows Firewall: Windows Firewall ( known as Internet Connection Firewall, or ICF, in SP1) is woefully inadequate and should be replaced immediately. It only blocks unauthorized incoming access attempts. Comodo, Kerio and ZoneAlarm block incoming and outgoing unauthorized access attempts, thus preventing Trojans, keyloggers, and other spyware from "phoning home" with your personal information. Do not use more than one software based firewall.
    
    Important Note - Routers and Firewalls: If you have a router you still need a software based firewall on each system on your network. This is true even if it is a network of just one computer. If you are not using a router, you should, especially if you are using broadband (cable or DSL high-speed Internet). Ensure your router uses NAT (Network Address Translation). NAT is a very effective security feature that provides hardware firewall type features. There are several offerings for under $50.00USD. Some offer dial-up support, and some include a print server for network printing. Using a router also allows you to disable printer and Internet connection sharing.

Remember to re-enable any real-time scanning disabled during these scans when done.

I know that is a lot but this is what it takes to get and keep your systems clean and running at full performance. I recommend all scanners be scheduled to update, then scan daily - mine run in the middle of the night. It is an important part of Practicing Safe Computing to also set up a routine to regularly scan your system(s) manually. Weekly is appropriate.

When done with the above scans, post back with how you are doing.
*****

It reaklly depends on what you think is important to keep.
If it's only a matter of replacing your emails etc, then just save them to a floppy or usb stick.

I personally never keep Emails once I've read them.

Unless there is something really important, If so save it.

I've never had a hastle formatting and re installingXP, I usually do it every couple of years if things don't run smooth any more.

I don't personally think it's really a big deal to instal.

All the best

I've never had a hastle formatting and re installingXP, I usually do it every couple of years if things don't run smooth any more.

I don't personally think it's really a big deal to instal.

That's you and you are assuming everyone is like you. You have no idea what kind of computer Martha has or her skill-sets. What if it is a laptop and NO disks came with the computer? What if it is an old Dell and only an XPSP1 "recovery" disk came with the computer? Those can amount to technical difficulties that you may be able to handle with no problems, but others may not be so technically inclined, and in fact, most people are not.

What if she has dial-up and suddenly finds herself several gigabytes of patches and updates behind? Not to mention suddenly without an anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, spam blocker, or any other program she had previously downloaded and installed.

What if the problem is a rootkit, many of which are able to survive a format?

Save emails to a floppy? Yeah, like a bunch of emails will fit on 1.44Mb floppy?

If for no other reason than security, it IS a big deal to reformat and reinstall Windows. Beyond that there's all the other applications and drivers and CD/License keys, custom configurations, etc. and everything under My Documents - all of which will be lost.

Now if your PC is just a toy to you, no problem. But if you consider your PC an important tool used in the day to day operation of your life - school, work, communications, photo management, music/video management, taxes, personal contacts, appointments, etc. then that's a different story. Until you understand the how a person uses his or her computer, suggesting it is no big deal is not sound advice.

BTW, If you have to reformat and reinstall every couple years because your system is no longer running smoothly, then you are not maintaining your system correctly. I have never reformatted since installing XP on this box in 2001 and my system is still running great, and I keep my running 24/7/365 and use it for 4-6 hours every day.

There is no need to get Shirty,

I am entitled to give my help as I see it.

Just because you don't Have confidence enoughnto re install, doesn't mean other people should br put off to do a relitively easy thing. Certainly a better cure than most.


It is up to the person to choose what they want to do, given the relative facts.

I will make a point of not trying ever to help you, but then you will never need it will you?

Thank you all for your suggestions. I found a perfect solution to keep my emails safe.It's a program that does what I want:
http://www.bodrag.com/outlook-express-backup.html

I am entitled to give my help as I see it.

And I have spent nearly half my life defending your right to do so.

As for confidence, I am quite certain I have been maintaining IT hardware longer than you have been on this Earth. Confidence is not the issue. Providing folks the information they need to make an INFORMED decision is the issue, and you failed to do that.

You are correct, formatting is easy (if you have the necessary disk), but in most cases that's the easy way out. A cop out - what you do if you don't have the competence to try to fix the problem; or the wisdom or courage to seek help.

Certainly a better cure than most.

Not hardly. If you don't bother determining the cause of the problem, formatting does nothing towards preventing it from recurring.

It is up to the person to choose what they want to do, given the relative facts.

Exactly. Facts you failed to determine or provide. Facts we have no way of knowing if Martha is was aware of. Facts you haphazardly ignored. Now that Martha has the information needed to make an informed decision, if she still wants to format, then fine. I am sure we can help her. As for seeking help from you, well, if there is one thing I have learned over the years it's that there is always something new to learn. I won't be seeking your help, but I will be paying attention to the advice you give.
********

@Martha - sorry for the distractions. I am glad you found a solution to backing up your email. Do note there are free options available and Microsoft has the knowledge base article: How to back up and to restore Outlook Express data.

Please note the consequences of formatting mentioned earlier. If you still wish to format, the most important thing here (besides backing up your data) is to ensure you have the necessary Windows installation disk, CD-Keys, and drivers for you motherboard. If your CD does not include SP2, and if you don't have an SP2 installation disk, then I recommend you download Windows XP SP2 Network Installation Package before formatting, and have it handy on a CD or second drive. This is the same file you would get if you had the Windows XP SP2 on CD. Install immediately after you install Windows. Then install all your other applications and updates.

Good luck and let us know how you are doing.