In Windows, how do I safely rebuild my computer?
The most common reason for rebuilding your Windows computer is a system-level compromise, such as infection with a system-level worm (e.g., Blaster, Welchia) or a system bug that's been exploited. Rebuilding your computer ensures that you will remove all traces of the compromise. Additionally, if you are running a Windows operating system earlier than XP, UITS strongly encourages you to rebuild with Windows 7, Vista, or XP. For information on purchasing Windows 7, Vista, or XP if you are an Indiana University student, faculty member, or staff member, see the "Acquiring the software" section in Software available through IU's agreement with Microsoft.
To thoroughly clean and rebuild your computer, be sure to take all of the following steps; failure to do so can put the entire IU network at risk.
Note: If you live in campus housing, you must run the Get Connected software after the rebuild is complete. If you were blocked from the network, you must request and wait for the block to be lifted before you can use it.
- Remove your computer from the network by unplugging the network
cable from the computer, or by turning off the wireless or dial-up
connection. Do not reconnect your computer to the
network until the last step, after you've taken all the following
steps; otherwise, you risk being compromised again.
- In preparation for wiping your computer's hard drive, back up your
personal files to disk. The easiest way to do this is to burn them to
CD; see
In Windows 7, Vista, or XP, how do I write a CD?
- Perform a clean install of Windows 7, Vista, or XP. (Again, make
sure you've backed up your personal files; they will be unrecoverable
after you wipe the hard drive.) If your Windows XP CD says "with
Service Pack 3", you can skip step 7 below. Use the original disks to
reinstall any other software applications you own. Make sure you use a
different password for the administrative account than you used in the
previous installation. When you reboot your computer, allow automatic
updates when prompted, which is the recommended action. For
installation instructions, see the appropriate document for your
version of Windows:
Note: At IU Bloomington, if you aren't comfortable rebuilding your computer, you can use Carry-in Consulting.
- Install antivirus software and spyware detection and
removal utilities from a flash drive or other external
source. Symantec Endpoint Protection and Windows
Defender are available free to students, faculty, and staff. For
further help, see:
- In Windows, how do I safely upgrade to the latest Symantec Endpoint or AntiVirus software?
- What is Windows Defender and how do I use it?
- Reinstall drivers for your network card, printer, and other
devices. Either use the driver disk provided by the manufacturer of
the device or visit the manufacturer's web site and download the
driver.
- Install the latest Windows patches and service
packs; see What are service packs for Windows, and where can I get them?
Note: Windows patches are no longer available on IUware Online. The Get Connected software contains most Windows patches. All patches are available from the IU Microsoft Update Service; for more information, see At IU, how do I configure my computer to use the IU Microsoft Update Service?
- Turn on a personal firewall; see In Windows XP, how do I enable or disable the firewall?
- Reconnect to the network, and change your IU Network ID
passphrase immediately after you have rebuilt your
computer. When crackers have control of your computer, they
can monitor and log every keystroke you enter (e.g., passwords, email
conversations). See At IU, how do I change or synchronize my Network ID passphrase?
Note: If you were blocked from the network, you must request and wait for the block to be lifted before you can do this from your own computer. For more information, see If my network access has been disabled by UIPO or UISO, how can I get it re-enabled?
UITS also recommends the following to help prevent future system compromises:
- Keep your Windows service packs current by scheduling daily
automatic updates; for more information, see For Windows, how can I get software updates and patches?
- Schedule your Symantec AntiVirus to perform daily LiveUpdates; for
more information, see In Symantec/Norton AntiVirus for Windows, how do I schedule automatic LiveUpdates and virus scans?
- Practice the principle of least privilege when using your computer. If your computer gets exploited, it helps prevent crackers from acquiring administrative access. For more, see In Windows, how can I run an administrator task from a non-admin account?
Last modified on September 22, 2009.
