Windows Re-Installation Question

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ImPrettyIrish

ImPrettyIrish

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Hi,
I got a virus and would like to re-install windows but I was wondering something.
Can I move all of my games to my new 2TB HDD that I just bought, unplug the SATA Cable, and reinstall windows and still have my games after it?

Anyways, thanks for helping!
I have windows 8.1 but i have the 8 disk
 
Solution
Darkbreeze
I think there is some confusion here. If you downloaded a bunch of games and just want to move the installation files for the games to another drive, absolutely you can do that. If you want to move the already INSTALLED games, no you can't do that. All the files that you downloaded to install the games can be moved then moved back or used to re-install them from the drive you moved them to after you reinstall windows so you don't have to download them again. That is if you saved the files you downloaded in order to install them in the first place. Also, make sure to scan them seven ways from Sunday prior to executing any of them after you reinstall windows to make sure you're not re-installing the same virus you currently have. I'd...
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snowctrl

snowctrl

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Do you really need to re-install Windows? The likes of BitDefender / Malwarebyters etc should be able to get your system happy again...

To answer your question - no, if you re-install Windows you'll need to re-install all your apps, except for the few small programs that come as simple executable files
 
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millwright

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Yes reinstall windows, trying to clean is a waste of time.

No you have to reinstall. all the programs, they can't be transfered, because they are installed in tooo many different places within windows.

edit
Solitaire can be transferred.
 
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ImPrettyIrish

ImPrettyIrish

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So, I can't put all of my game files onto my HDD unplug it, and plug it back in after my Windows Installation is done?
 
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ImPrettyIrish

ImPrettyIrish

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Yes, I have tried Malewarebytes and avast and windows defender and it keeps happening.
 
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snowctrl

snowctrl

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It's worth trying a different antivirus - some catch more than others. BitDefender, Norton etc are free for 30 days - give BitDefender a go maybe... I've never had a virus escape it yet...

If you were to transfer all your games via a hard disc, is there not a chance you would also transfer the virus? (and like I said the games themselves won't transfer...)
 
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millwright

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You can never get it all, unless you are an expert with the registry, even then, it is not 100%.

If you were a registry expert, you wouldn't need a cleaner program, anyway.

Edit
The time it takes to do the multiple scans, I can install the OS. and all the games, and you know it is clean.

It is not possible to know if you got everything with cleaners.
 
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ImPrettyIrish

ImPrettyIrish

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See the thing is, I have about 40ish games installed on my PC and my peak download rate was at 753 Kb/s. (The fastest my internet provider can do so they say). It would take me absolutely ages to download all of the games that I play back. Is there any way I can not go through this process again?
 
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millwright

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I guess you need to start scanning.

Like snowctrl said you need multiple scanners, virus, and malware.
I haven't done it in so long, I forget how.

First there is a program that disables those malicious programs, so the scanner will work. can't remember, something with process in the name.

Then you have to scan in safe mode.

Malwarebytes
Spybot
HijackThis

to mention a few malware scanners

Any virus program is as good as the next.
I use Avast.

One of the most successful methods I used to use, is put the drive in another computer as a simple drive and scan it with the other computer.

This keeps all the bad programs closed, so they don't reinstall themselves.

I have also found that after any scanner I have tried, If you run the same one again, you find more.
Good luck.


Good reason to have a CD/DVD, and the games installation programs burned to a DVD.

I know a lot of respected geeks, say they no longer need a CD/DVD, but they are only $15.
I don't see it.
$5 off with Promo Code EMCPCWP25
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135305




 
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snowctrl

snowctrl

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... or you could just take the drives from your PC and plug them into another PC which is virus free and already has the full anti-virus etc installed, and run from them - this is by far the simplest way of getting rid of viruses etc
 
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Darkbreeze

Darkbreeze

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I think there is some confusion here. If you downloaded a bunch of games and just want to move the installation files for the games to another drive, absolutely you can do that. If you want to move the already INSTALLED games, no you can't do that. All the files that you downloaded to install the games can be moved then moved back or used to re-install them from the drive you moved them to after you reinstall windows so you don't have to download them again. That is if you saved the files you downloaded in order to install them in the first place. Also, make sure to scan them seven ways from Sunday prior to executing any of them after you reinstall windows to make sure you're not re-installing the same virus you currently have. I'd recommend a scan with malwarebytes for malware, check for rootkits (Even use this now on your C drive, it might find your issue)using malwarebytes rootkit detector https://www.malwarebytes.org/antirootkit/ and then a good scan with any of the top antivirus agents.
 
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ImPrettyIrish

ImPrettyIrish

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I don't have another PC in my house.
 
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