format ntfs to get rid if boot sector virus

elne · #1 03-13-2004, 08:06 PM

i am trying to format my hard drive, windows xp pro. ntfs, i can get to the part where you delete the partition, windows won't let me delete the partition, says it is using it for windows files. so all that happens is a delete not a format. i know i have a boot sector virus as programs that i know work on other computers will not work on mine, says that they are corrupted. any help to get through this format will be greatly appreciated.

s7p9a2m4 · #2 03-13-2004, 08:34 PM

Use something like Dariks Boot and Nuke to erase the hard drive completely and safely.
http://dban.sourceforge.net/

This will set you up nicely for a fresh install.

Azn_tweaker · #3 03-13-2004, 08:45 PM

i dont know how to use Dariks Boot and Nuke.
Entropy: Linux Kernel (urandom)
PRNG: Mersenne Twister(M+1997ar-cok)
Method: DoD 5220-22.M
Verify: All passes
Rounds: 1
in 2 hrs it only did 20%

then i canceled it.

s7p9a2m4 · #4 03-13-2004, 10:19 PM

Yes. It takes a long time. Let it do its thing all night. Took about 1.5 hours to wipe 40 gigs if I remember right.

elne · #5 03-13-2004, 11:21 PM

thank you so much, i will give it a try. your forum is great!!

Azn_tweaker · #6 03-14-2004, 08:51 AM

s7p9a2m4, can u tell me the steps on how to do it?

s7p9a2m4 · #7 03-14-2004, 11:08 AM

Very easy. You can download the floppy version or the cd version.
If you download the floppy version it will arrive as a zip file. Unzip it to a folder. Have a new floppy ready and double click the "install MSDOS batch file". Insert the floppy.
If you download the cd version it will arrive as an iso image. This will allow it to be burned directly to cd with Easy Cd Creator or another. Open Cd Creator > click on 'file' > choose 'record cd from image' > find the iso image and burn it.
To erase the hard drive you will need to set the computer bios to boot either the floppy drive or cdrom first in the boot sequence.
Next, insert floppy or cd and reboot the machine. You will then get boot and nuke options. Specify the drive to wipe and continue.
More info is available in the readme found in boot and nuke. More info is available at the website.
http://dban.sourceforge.net/

Azn_tweaker · #8 03-14-2004, 11:40 AM

i still dont know how to work it.

s7p9a2m4 · #9 03-14-2004, 11:59 AM

Patience lad, patience. Take your time. Read the information. Go step-by-step. If unsure of something use 'trial and error'.

Azn_tweaker · #10 03-14-2004, 12:32 PM

whats "trial error"?

s7p9a2m4 · #11 03-14-2004, 12:36 PM

"different possible configurations are generated, after a test of their "fitness", the good ones are retained, and the bad ones or "errors" are eliminated"

Azn_tweaker · #12 03-14-2004, 12:40 PM

is this how it works?
when i was using that program and formatting..
Entropy: Linux Kernel(urandom)
PRNG:Mersenne Twister
Method

oD 5220-22.M
Verify: All Passes
Rounds: 1

njovin · #13 03-14-2004, 07:36 PM

Elne,

Just because some programs will not work on your computer does NOT mean that you have a boot sector virus. Even if you DO, deleting partitions will not fix that. What else makes you think you have a boot sector virus?

elne · #14 03-15-2004, 09:38 PM

njovin,
it has happened before, the boot sector virus attacks nortons antivirus. it will shut off auto protect, and this time it also fixed it so i could not open explorer. nothing is written in stone, but previous experience left me believing that it was a virus. i did a complete format and reloaded nortons and so far everything seems to be ok. a complete format and deleting the partition and reloading xp usually gets the virus, but how in the hell did i get it.
thanks for all help i recieved in the forum!!

gizmo-36 · #15 03-16-2004, 12:28 AM

Thank you dismembered I downloaded dban 1.0.1 .And i format my frist HD today.And i don't know any thing about computers.They are some good people on this site.