If you had a virus, could you simply replace the hard drive to get rid of it?

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a9ch4f

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If your computer was infected with a virus or some form of malware that was hard or impossible to remove, couldn't you just replace the infected hard-drive(s) and reinstall everything? I'm not in this situation, but I'm simply curious if it would be an appropriate course of action.
 
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No.

SchizTech

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That would work but it's a rather extreme measure. If needed you can back up any information that isn't already backed up and that you don't wish to lose and reinstall Windows on the same hard drive. The hard drive will be formatted during the re installation, deleting all information on the drive including the infection. Generally you only need to replace a drive if one fails, or if you need to swap in a larger drive (or SSD if you're after speed). In the latter case you could still keep the HDD as a secondary drive anyway.
 

a9ch4f

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Would I need to re-install windows with a new copy?
 

bignastyid

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No.
 
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SchizTech

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I read the original post as suggesting a hypothetical question.

 
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