Reference number: CH000992

If I format or erase my hard drive will it remove a virus?

Question:

If I format or erase my hard drive will it remove a virus?

Answer:

If your computer is infected with a virus formatting or erasing the hard disk drive and starting over will almost always remove any type of virus. However, keep in mind if backups have been made that contain the virus, other media or drives connected to the computer have a virus, your computer is connected to another computer on a network with a virus, and/or the virus is stored on some other type of software you use with your computer it can become re-infected if not properly protected.

Additional information:

• Additional information about erasing your computer and starting over can be found on document CH000186.
• See document CH000896 for additional information about determining if your computer is infected with a virus.
• Additional information about removing a virus from a computer is found on document CH000931.