[Resolved] Dell Insperion 530S, not working properly after virus removal

[bdunn0]

The Danny Logon is an Administrative logon. I used the take control on the Danny logon documents directory. I was able to access the files afterwards by using the Denise logon.

[Hoov]

So were you able to backup all your personal documents? Emails, pictures, music, etc?

[bdunn0]

Haven't had a chance to try the backup yet. I will try that tonight & let you know how it goes.

[Hoov]

OK. That is the hardest part of the entire process. Making sure to backup everything. Also look at your programs and see if you have any with a database, like quicken or software used to track diets or medical conditions.

[bdunn0]

Backup failed. Tried several times using Vista Backup.

[Hoov]

How about doing the backup manually? Or are all your personal files all over the place?

[bdunn0]

I think that they are in a few directories such a Pictures & documents, etc. I will have to take ownership of these directories in order to find out what is in them. Once I do that, I should be able to copy the files to a DVD or external hard drive unlessl you know of an easier way, I will keep you posted on my progress.

[Hoov]

Did you use the registry edit to put "take ownership" in the context menu?

[bdunn0]

I used the procedure in this link.

http://www.mydigitallife.info/how-to-take-ownership-and-grant-permissions-in-windows-vista/

[Hoov]

This makes it much easier.

[bdunn0]

Thanks. That looks much easier. It should speed things up.

[bdunn0]

If I copy the entire user directory, can I put it back on the new image without creating problems, or should I only copy the files for data like pictures & documents.

[Hoov]

You should only copy the data files that you want to save. I tried copying the entire user folder once, and while it worked, it left a lot of garbage in place. After a couple weeks, I decided to redo it.

[bdunn0]

Thanks for the information. That makes a lot of sense. I will Identify the data that needs to be saved & try to restore to factory setup tomorrow night. I just hope that the restore function will work from the restore directory since I haven't been able to find the CD's that came with the system.

Is it possible to create a set of restore disk in Vista Home Edition?

[Hoov]

According to this you can. But you will have to wait until you have a clean computer.

As for going back to factory install, the instructions for that are here.