Need advice for what to do with neighbour's computer

[matt012]

I was working on getting my neighbours computer working better tonight. It is an older one, i'm not sure of processor speed, but I know the ram is 56MB. It has Windows 98 installed. The problems were that msn no longer would sign in, no matter what version of it, and explorer messes up sometimes and weird stuff like that. I did an ad-aware scan, and it found a lot of junk stuff. Over 700 items. I played around with it for a while, trying to get msn working again and so on, but I haven't been able to yet. I worked on it for about 2 hours tonight. They suggested formatting it, and there's not much important stuff on it, and that stuff can be saved. Is formatting and reinstalling Windows 98 the best to do? Or is there another suggestion? Thanks.

[Budfred]

You could run more malware scans and produce an HJT log to post here so we can check it... If you don't want to do that, format and reinstall isn't a bad idea... If it is the original install, it might help to run better that way...

[Variable]

Yes, reformat it. In the two hours you spent already you would be done and their machine would work better than it will trying to fix it. I have done it both ways many many times. Removing spyware and fixing the registry problems associated with it can take far longer than is worthwhile. If your paid by the hour, run the freeware spyware scans and piddle with it. If your doing this for free - format it. Once it's formatted then install the spyware apps and immunize and teach them how to update it. Add the sites they like to go to to the trusted zones and put the rest of the internet on high security. Teach them how to add sites to the trusted zone. Spend an hour formatting and reinstalling and an hour educating. Thats my 2 cents.

[PrntRhd]

They suggested formatting it, and there's not much important stuff on it, and that stuff can be saved.
This says to most of us it can be reformatted and reloaded. We spend effort here on the forums trying to save data and settings but in this case it is time-effective to format it and get on with life.
:)

[Steve]

When it comes to malware, I have come to rely on the two hour rule. If it's going to take anywhere near two hours to clean it up... backup, format and reinstall.

You'll be much happier with the results.

;)

[Erik]

One warning though before you run off and start formatting the computer make sure you have a full version of Windows to install. Depending on where the computer was bought you may or may not have an actual full installation disk.

[matt012]

Thanks for the advice. I'm not sure if they have a full Windows 98 install CD or not. But if they don't, I have one, so there's no problem there. Formatting is what I'll do most likely.