If I'm reinstalling Windows and don't have an anti-virus is it safe to go online and download one... ?

Question

as soon as possible or am I better copying my current one to a cd?

Answer 1

Make sure you switch on windows firewall THEN connect to the internet; go here

http://www.filehippo.com/software/antivi...

download your antivirus software, close your browser and reinstall your antivirus before surfing anywhere else.  

Answer 2

I had to take my new pc back twice as I had to go on-line to download my anti virus. But the sods beat me to it and wiped the hard drive. Had to buy an anti virus cd and install it first. Be careful as it's a pain.

Answer 3

Just go direct to your URL, where the webpage is that you want to download the antivirus and you will be find.  Don´t do any other searching on the internet.

Mind Doctor, Frnace

Answer 4

If you go to safe sites, it should be okay, but put some anti virus as soon as possible.

Answer 5

yes its safe but go straight to the site where you are downloading..

such as avast.com

protection is instant.. make sure you got a firewall too... Zonealarm is good..

make rules and stick to them

NEVER open group or chain emails with attachments..

NEVER open emails from a source you do not know

NEVER enter websites suggestive of anything remotely dodgy ..

GOOD & CLEAN SAFE Websites  tend to come up near the top of the "google or yahoo" pages on searches..

you might think it takes away some fun but it doesn't the only think it takes away is the risk of infection or worse..

Answer 6

As long as you don't do anything else you should be fine to go online and download one. You can run a full system scan afterwards

Answer 7

I would suggest you copy your current one to a C.D.

Answer 8

If the version of windows the system will have after the reinstallation is earlier than XP SP2, it won't be safe to stay online not even for 1 minute. If, however it is SP3 It will be absolutely safe. If it is vista, you have nothing to worry about.  

Answer 9

People get very nervous when you don't have anti virus protection installed but considering you'll be working on a fresh boot, if you just to go trusted websites to get your protection (McAfee, Norton or AVG etc. etc.) then you'll be perfectly fine.

Answer 10

AVG is the best free one. look it up on the web and then follow the instuctions.I have had no problems in 2 years.  

Answer 11

You can download one off the net, but be sure not to download a rogue program! Download a anti-virus from a well known company like:

http://www.symantec.com

http://www.mcafee.com

http://www.kaspersky.com

http://www.avg.com

http://www.avast.com

http://www.aviara.com

http://www.ca.com

etc etc

If you already have one, it's best to uninstall, then re-install. Copying the program may be illegal, and may result in the program degrading.

Answer 12

Yes you will be fine, getting a virus should be the least of your worries. You are far more likely to get some sort of spyware or malware in your system. The one thing you should have before you go online is a firewall or have your internet connection go through a router rather than going direct, it will act as filter blocking out the unwanted signals.