Reinstalls are cake and take less time if you use unattended installs. I
have a default universal XP DVD (with SP2 and all updates from
microsoftupdate already integrated) that I can install from boot DVD or push
off the network that is completely unattended from partitioning, key coding,
domain joining, desktop settings - AND will install office 2k3 plus tons of
other applications/settings and has practically every current driver for
almost all current hardware. Thanks to the community at msfn.org I no longer
have any need for expensive imaging software. Symantec can kiss my sweet ass
with their ghost licensing fees. The unattended install is much better
because it is NOT an image and will install on different hardware.
For more info on how to do this shit all for FREE and ditch
ghost/builder/drive image check out these links:
http://unattended.msfn.org/unattended.xp/ - Main guide
http://www.ryanvm.net/msfn/ - guy who makes an up-to-date "update pack" to
integrate in a windows XP SP2 installation image, plus pre-made switchless
installers of many popular applications that will install via the
RunOnceEx.cmd of your Windows XP CD
http://www.ryanvm.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=67 - guide to make your own
switchless installer executable of practically any application
http://www.driverpacks.net/ - guy who makes "driver packs" for almost all
current hardware and a program to easily integrate these drivers into your
XP install CD. Updated constantly with the latest drivers.
That all being said - I still prefer removal of filthware rather than
reformatting and enjoy learning more about these critters. I work in a
corporate environment where I do not encounter critters hardly ever (due to
default users inability to do any damage) as opposed to those of you who
mainly work on home-user pc's - so when the opportunity arises I don't mind
taking a couple of hours to work on an infected PC. I'd like to put all the
hours of reading I do a week on new threats to good use.
From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], The Hardware List
<[email protected]>
To: "The Hardware List" <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [H] Suggested tools for helping a friend with bad
virusinfestation
Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2006 16:15:55 -0500
----- Original Message ----- From: "Thane Sherrington (S)"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "The Hardware List" <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 10, 2006 3:47 PM
Subject: Re: [H] Suggested tools for helping a friend with bad
virusinfestation
It's either doing it right or giving up and joining the rest of the
wannabes. Anyone can reinstall Windows, and if that's the only solution,
all the repair shops better close and let the
True, the guy down the street who knows all about computers can reinstall
Windows. Not only do I do a clean install, (I have the media and I do not
run the name brand restore process) I install the proper drivers, also.
Then I do the full update along with many tweaks. Overall the job takes
about 4 hours when you figure in intake time etc. and the time it takes to
do the job right. The many tweaks I keep as my secret.
Chuck
