Overhaulin'

Laptop wiped out by Virtumonde. Can I just install a new Operating System?

I have a Dell Inspiron Laptop (Windows XP)about a year and half old. I don't use it frequently so I don't want to put a lot of money into it to fix it. Computers are like cars to me, I know how to operate it but not take it apart and fix it. My entire Oper-Sys has been wiped out by the virus...#*&!&$##^@)*#*#!!!! I think it's "the blue screen of death" from Virtumonde. It started with an AntiVirus2009 that just seems to have gutted my laptop. I have nothing on the screen but a blinking dash mark. I managed to get it to open up one time and there was nothing left, no system restore, no files, nothing. Then the whole system closed down and all I have is a screen with a flashing dash mark, nothing works, nothing happens. I bought the system direct from Dell and there was never any Oper-System disks that came with it. -?- I've contacted Dell, but to no avail. It was impossible to get anywhere with them. I use my desk-top for nearly everything, but I do like to use the laptop occasionally for leisure use. I just don't want a huge bill for taking it into the shop. Can I just go buy Windows Vista and install it? Can that work? I had good virus protection, but it got through anyways...Is the virus still in my laptop? Any suggestions or info would be greatly appreciated.

Public Comments

1. You may try installing Vista again from a purchased DVD, but I would recommend you to have your laptop checked by any skilled tech service, as the virus could mess up more and have your personal data and documents at risk of being deleted. Most of the time, this kind of viruses simply mean an expense of money because not using a really well recognized antivirus suite, either it's a free or commercial one, sets us towards paying extra time and money. Finally, you need to know that some viruses are kept themselves the hard drive, even after a reformat, so make up your mind because things need to be taken appart sometimes.
2. Hi, Start ur system in safe mode. To do this, keep pressing F8 while ur laptop starts. Then select safe mode. The computer will start in basic mode. Then, you can do a system restore or use the Dell restore to factory option.