How can I restore my computer back to it's original state?

Question

I have many major problems. Internet Explorer will not work. I always get a message that it has to close. So, I put on Fire Fox. I still have many problems and possible viruses.

I used two virus programs and neither one of them can remove the viruses - so the message said. I need to restore my computer back to day one when I bought it. Some components are also missing in a lot of start up programs. I have no idea what to do.

I have an E-machine and Windows XP.

I also, when I start the Internet, get the message that a virus protection plan will now work because components are missing. This always pops up and I need to get rid of that error message too.

I am not sure what to do here and I sure could use some help. If I restore the computer (if that will work) will the viruses be gone?

Please someone help me. Thank you.

Answer 1

Try using system restore to go to an ealier date long before you started having problems.

If that doesn't work, use the restore disk that came with your computer. That should work.

Answer 2

Under you start menu go to accessories then tools and in there, there should be a system restore button. If you have a virus though it may not let you use your restore button or it will restore but you won't see much change. What virus scans are you using. Obviously they aren't doing their job. I would find other virus scan. I use Webroot. I find it is a very good virus scan for cheap too. First you should clean out all your unwanted files. Do a scan disk then see if you computer needs to be defragged. You will see this under the tools file. If you are still having trouble I would refer to reformatting. Good luck.

Answer 3

Doubtful that restoring the computer would help. It pretty much just restores your settings. It's never helped me get rid of a virus.

The drastic option is to reinstall your operating system (windows XP). You should have received disks when you bought your computer that let you do the reinstall. You will wipe out the operating system you currently have (and all files on it) and reinstall a new one. It's pretty simple, just follow the manual. I think you will probably have to reinstall to get back the usability and get rid of the viruses.

If you have important files that you need to save, I recommend e-mailing them to yourself via yahoo mail or something that will keep the files stored online, or just save your files to CD or flash drive. Be sure to scan the files you are saving with your virus program. If they are infected, don't save them; they will just infect the computer all over again when you reinstall the OS.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Use your original restore disks. You should have a repair part, try it first, before restoring the HD.

If you have to do the restore, your HD will go back to original settings, and you may lose all your files,if not backed-up, ut you will get rid of all viruses and malwares.

Good luck