Clean install of Win 7

[Clive]

I know this is old hat to many of you but I haven't done a clean install since the halcyon days of Win 3.1 when the OS came on six 3.5" disks.  Two of my Win 7 laptops were trashed on Saturday when my great nephews descended on us and used the machines to play games.  My own grandchildren play games but don't mess around with the laptops which have been rendered unusable.  They are now full of viruses and won't do Windows Updates or download Win 10 which I had ordered on both.  I've spent hours on the laptops using various programs to get Updates running again and trying System Restore  and just making the situation worse.  With my Asus, the OS is on a partition and I know how to access it.  What sort of job is it to undertake a full reinstall of Win 7 and then hopefully get Win 10 before the cut-off date of July 29th?  Even if I can't achieve the latter I could still end up with a simple machine suitable for my hyperactive nephews and that would be great.  But am I biting off more than I can chew?   

[Simon]

What on earth did they do to them?  I'd be charging the parents for repair costs! 

Are you able to get online with either of the machines, and if so, have you tried any online scanners, such as: https://www.f-secure.com/en_GB/web/home_gb/online-scanner ?

What about http://www.malwarebytes.org ?

[Glenn]

If you have the Windows 7 licence keys you can install Windows 10 without the need to install Windows 7 first. Download the media creation tool and the correct version of W10 then follow the instructions below.

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-10-media-creation-tool-create-installation-media-upgrade

[Clive]

Yes, I can get online and Malwarebytes found a whole bunch of horrors including the dreaded Conduit.  With the Dell, I have the unopened Windows disk with licence key.  The Asus is partitioned so I'm not sure where I would find the key.  I had intended to deal with the Asus first because that machine is redundant and has been replaced by my super duper PC Specialist outfit.  I thought they were playing Friv and Kizi but they must have been hitting keys willy nilly.  I will certainly try the scanner but I've tried quite a few and none fix Updates. 

[Clive]

The F-Secure scan caused an immediate BSOD which went into an immediate reboot.  But it recovered perfectly normally and no issues were found.  My issues now are with Updates and WinUpdate Fixer can't fix it and neither can the Microsoft Update Fixer.  Both say I have missing files.  That's why I#m considering a re-install.

[Simon]

Have you tried the Check Disk (CHKDSK) utility?

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/guide-to-using-check-disk-in-windows-vista/

[Clive]

Yes, Computer made me do that.     It took forever but didn't solve the problem.   

[Simon]

  I hate computers!

[Simon]

The last time I did a clean Windows install, which was Windows 7, I'm pretty sure I just booted from the Windows DVD and followed the instructions.  If you've nothing on the machine you want to keep, you have nothing to lose by trying it.

[Clive]

That's what I think too Simon.  I'm allowing my netbook to download Win 10 on Monday evening so I want to get one thing over at a time.  Today I ran Malwarebytes on my PC Specialist machine and it told me I had 119 infections after the infamous great nephew debacle.  They've also managed to break my £200 Nikkon binoculars.  Next time they turn up we will be on lockdown and move everything to the other flat.   

[Glenn]

Why not use the media creation tool and a USB pen drive, then do a clean install using your current W7 key? There are various key finders if your laptop doesn't have a COA licence label.

[Simon]

That's what I think too Simon.  I'm allowing my netbook to download Win 10 on Monday evening so I want to get one thing over at a time.  Today I ran Malwarebytes on my PC Specialist machine and it told me I had 119 infections after the infamous great nephew debacle.  They've also managed to break my £200 Nikkon binoculars.  Next time they turn up we will be on lockdown and move everything to the other flat.   

Next time??!  Why not move them to the other flat?  Honestly, family or not, disrespect for other people's property doesn't go down well in my book.   

[Clive]

Mine neither.  The younger one does all the damage and he's 5 years old.  I know they will be here for the carnival on July 23rd but things will be very different that time.

[zappaDPJ]

http://www.idnetters.co.uk/forums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=33155.0;attach=12569;image

I know they will be here for the carnival on July 23rd but things will be very different that time.

It always wise to be prepared.



Just tape the little buggers to the floor

[Simon]

 

[stevenrw]

Just tape the little buggers to the floor

Just tape the little buggers to somebody else's floor!

[zappaDPJ]

 

[Clive]

   That would be a good idea.     I notice that when I tried to log on to my bank account yesterday morning before I left for London, that Kaspersky warned me I was visiting a criminal website so the DNS must have been changed.  It's revealed yet more viruses on my new machine.  I'll have to deal with it when I get home next week. 

[Simon]

Jesus Christ!  This five year old should go and work for the FBI!

[Technical Ben]

People think I'm awfully horrible for never letting anyone use my computers unless I'm watching.

They also don't thank me when I offer to give them my phone, because I always say I will make the dial first myself. Don't want them accidentally calling an expensive number!

Yeah, I'll be kind, but I try not to be clueless.

Kids these day though, I don't think there is any repellent strong enough for them!