Inactive 8 Step Malware Remove or new OS

[pigeon]

Hello,

My Sony Vaio has become infected with a Malware that redirects my internet browser to porn sites or adverts. McAfee identified the rogue files but couldn't remove them. I ran the '8 steps to remove malware' last night, and then booted the Sony up again this morning to get the log files off (and post them in this forum). Unfortunately the laptop screen is now going black after I enter the password to log in to windows. Somewhat suspicious, I have rebooted it in safe mode. My first question then is, is it safe to use a USB stick to get the logs off that PC now with it in safe mode?


My main question however is.. My Sony Vaio has Windows Vista OS, and no personal files that aren't already backed up somewhere else - i.e. Im happy to completely rebuild it. I would like to buy Windows 7 to load on to it as a normal part of upgrading it. Would the installation of a completely new OS wipe over the problem, or just cause even more problems? (I have noted other forum posts stating to not reload your existing old OS as a means of trying to fix malware, but Im just checking this with regards to installing a completely new OS).

Thanks.

 

[Broni]

Welcome aboard

Would the installation of a completely new OS wipe over the problem

Yes, if it's clean installation, including hard drive formatting.

Let me know, what you want to do.

 

[pigeon]

Thanks Broni. In that case - yes I'll do that (probably not until mid next week during the Christmas break). I will post a quick update when it's complete and Ive tested it.

 

[Broni]

Fair enough