Well, my computer does have a recovery partition I can boot to restore my computer's Windows Vista install to it's original crapware infested state (It comes with lots of Acer-brand programs and 'enhancements', since I have an Acer laptop; these I usually disable with that Soluto program), so I can backup my data and restore.

I wish I could install Windows 7, though.

GPFontaine wrote:

Mr. Satire wrote: Well, my computer does have a recovery partition I can boot to restore my computer's Windows Vista install to it's original crapware infested state (It comes with lots of Acer-brand programs and 'enhancements', since I have an Acer laptop; these I usually disable with that Soluto program), so I can backup my data and restore. I wish I could install Windows 7, though. You should backup NOW. Even if you choose not to use it. Not having that backup is silly.

I will. I think the fact that it now uses glitched Windows Vista window borders with Windows Classic everything else as a theme (among other various glitches and malfunctions, such as explorer.exe freezing for a minute every time I modify a file) suggests I should do so ASAP.

Well, I am backing up my stuff right now. And this time, I won't forget the IRC logs, and my Minecraft world like when Windows 7 fucked up on me. I will also virus-scan my backup.

Also, what should I do after I have restored the OS, apart from the obvious stuff like installing a better browser and uninstalling the crap Acer pre-loads on. I also want suggestions on what anti-virus programs I should use.

GPFontaine wrote:

1. Do your Windows Updates... all of them. Again. Again. Again... Yeah... that should do it. 2. Install the following software: http://ninite.com/air-audacity-cccp-ccleaner-chrome-defraggler-dotnet-dropbox-essentials-filezilla-firefox-flash-flashie-gimp-googleearth-imgburn-irfanview-itunes-java-jdk-libreoffice-malwarebytes-notepadplusplus-paintdotnet-picasa-putty-quicktime-reader-recuva-sevenzip-silverlight-skype-steam-super-vlc-winscp/ 3. Install the following plugins on Firefox & Chrome: * http://www.mywot.com/ * http://www.lastpass.com/ * http://goo.gl/gHdC (Chrome Only)

1. Of course I would do that.

2. I have already created a Ninite installer bundle, which contains all I need.

3. I'll install WoT, but I do not use LastPass, since the basic Firefox password manager gets the job done for me. And I don't use Chome.

I guess I am all set. I'll finish up some bits with my backup, and wipe my Windows partition, and install Windows again.

Okay, so I have restored Windows, installed programs with Ninite, scanned my system with Avast, and Avast reports that the virus is still present, and has infected files on my Windows Vista partition, and the drive's MBR.

Host Process for Windows Services is also still crashing. I am also getting redirected to malicious sites.

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!
I really want to throw this computer out the window and get one that works with Windows 7, and every other modern OS ever.

Also, the Host Processes dialog offers more information now. Here it is:


Oh, and here is a dialog box Avast throws up:

GPFontaine wrote:

So you did an image restore, not a Windows 7 reinstall. Contact the manufacturer of the computer and find out how to do a complete Windows 7 reinstallation from scratch.

1: I use Windows Vista, not because I want to, but because, as I have said, is the only OS that works %100 on my computer.

2: Yes, it was an image restore. I don't have any Windows Vista DVDs with working activation codes.

Also, the MBR virus seems to have gone after I booted into a Vista DVD and entered these commands into a command prompt window:

Code:

bootrec.exe /fixmbr bootrec.exe /fixboot

Oh, and now there's another issue: I get a 'USB device not recognized' error when I plug in my external hard drive which has my backup on it. This is REALLY wearing thin on my patience.
Well, I fixed that using my 'rip the plug for it out of the wall socket violently, and plug it back in' method. Yay! Stuff works right now!

GPFontaine wrote:

Mr. Satire wrote: GPFontaine wrote: So you did an image restore, not a Windows 7 reinstall. Contact the manufacturer of the computer and find out how to do a complete Windows 7 reinstallation from scratch. 1: I use Windows Vista, not because I want to, but because, as I have said, is the only OS that works %100 on my computer. 2: Yes, it was an image restore. I don't have any Windows Vista DVDs with working activation codes. Also, the MBR virus seems to have gone after I booted into a Vista DVD and entered these commands into a command prompt window: Code: bootrec.exe /fixmbr bootrec.exe /fixboot Oh, and now there's another issue: I get a 'USB device not recognized' error when I plug in my external hard drive which has my backup on it. This is REALLY wearing thin on my patience. The process is the same with Vista and Windows 7. They are pretty much the same OS. Either way, your manufacturer should have left a method to install the OS from scratch. If they didn't, you can contact them and request a method.

Isn't the image restore (which is accessed by booting a small recovery partition) good enough? It should be able to remove viruses residing on the partition, and if there is an MBR virus, I could use those commands I mentioned. What is your method going to do better that I don't see myself?