Clean Install Using Dell PC Restore?

macman

I am trying to fix a Dell Dimension 5000 PC with XP Professional, which appears to have multiple infections, I have removed some with MalwareBytes and Combofix, but it's still not entirely clean.
The PC has Dell PC Restore installed, the data is backed up, so it seems to me that a factory restore is the way to go with this. But if I use this method (which as I understand it is just a disk image on a hidden partition) will it give me as 'clean' a result as doing a hard drive reformat and reinstalling the OS from scratch? I thought this would be easier and avoid the issue of reinstalling all the drivers etc (no resource disk exists with the PC)?

diable

The drivers should be on the hidden partition and a restore should bring it back to the state when it was bought. Updates will have to be downloaded.

Ohhhh an double treble check that all data HAS been backed up, music photos etc etc etc

macman

Yes, I understand that Windows Updates etc then have to be run. But will this method produce as clean a system as doing a reformat would?

davb

It's not going to be as sure fire as doing a full disk erase, but I would say it's definitely worth a go - especially if it's a hidden partition.
I would download XP Service Pack 3 and antivirus beforehand, and install them before connecting it to the net - it will speed up the Windows updates.

davb

The recovery will reformat the C partition anyway (and possibly delete/recreate it), but when you are talking about doing a hard drive reformat, are you meaning format C: which will be pretty similar (or maybe not as good), or using something like a drive manufacturers boot disk utility to do a full disk erase, which will remove all the partitions (including the recovery), and write zeros to every sector on the drive, which would be the 'cleanest' way. Depends how 'clean' you want it.

macman

Yes, I meant a C drive reformat. The Dell PC Restore utility is I believe based on Symantec software.
Just clean enough to prevent the infection coming back. That's why I ruled out doing a simple System Restore.

davb

macman wrote: »

Yes, I meant a C drive reformat. The Dell PC Restore utility is I believe based on Symantec software.
Just clean enough to prevent the infection coming back. That's why I ruled out doing a simple System Restore.

It probably uses Ghost (from an image file) - I would go for that.

spud17

The disadvantage of a Dell system restore is that you could end up with all the carpy free trials etc.
But give it a go.
I've done it on an HP, decided there was too much unnecessary rubbish and did a re-install with an MS XP disk.
Might want to check and run THIS