Live Chat & Podcast at 1:00PM Eastern on Sunday!
There's no such thing as a stupid question, but they're the easiest to answer.
JoinTour
Login
Search
General Security
Tag Cloud
access acer asus bios bsod computer crash desktop dns driver drivers error ethernet excel freeze gaming graphics hard drive hardware hdmi internet laptop malware memory monitor motherboard network printer problem ram registry repair router slow software sound trojan ubuntu 11.10 uninstall usb video virus vista wifi windows windows 7 windows 7 32 bit windows 7 64 bit windows xp wireless
Search
Search for:
Tech Support Guy Forums > Security & Malware Removal > General Security >
How do I make sure files moved to a new computer are clean?

Reply  
Thread Tools
adamm321's Avatar
Computer Specs
Member with 196 posts.
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: New England
Experience: Intermediate
07-Mar-2008, 09:31 AM #1
How do I make sure files moved to a new computer are clean?
We just ordered a MacBookPro and are waiting for it to be delivered. In the meantime I thought I might try to get some questions answered about transferring what is on my machine to the new one. I do not have a virus protection program like McAfee on my current Dell laptop. I have only the firewall that came with XP, on a wireless home network, and Spybot and Adaware that I run scans with. I have not had any symptoms that I am aware of, of any problems. Sometimes I slow down a little, but doing one of the adware scans usually takes care of that. I am pretty careful of where I go and what I click on.

Having said that, I can't be sure I don't have some malware or problem on my computer and I don't want to move one onto the new machine if there is. Can anyone suggest something that I can do before moving my files to the new machine to check them?

Do I have to check all files on the hard drive? What about photo and music files, do those need to be check? I assume the MacBookPro will not have virus protection either?

Thanks...
adam
smeegle's Avatar
Senior Member with 3,631 posts.
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Experience: Beginner
07-Mar-2008, 10:17 AM #2
Since you don't have an Anti Virus program I would download one just to be sure. You can find some free ones here http://www.download.com/Antivirus-Fi...yware/?tag=dir
The anti virus program will check all of your files.
adamm321's Avatar
Computer Specs
Member with 196 posts.
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: New England
Experience: Intermediate
08-Mar-2008, 06:44 AM #3
Thanks smeedge...that was a great link, I will check that out.

:-)
adam
stephen1958's Avatar
Computer Specs
Junior Member with 3 posts.
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: buckinghamshire uk
Experience: Beginner
08-Mar-2008, 07:11 AM #4
hiya does anyone know how to get rid of trojan pact 149
sup2a's Avatar
sup2a has a Photo Album
Computer Specs
Senior Member with 1,375 posts.
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: A-town -- South Australia
Experience: Intermediate-Advanced
08-Mar-2008, 08:04 AM #5
Macs are seemingly much safer than PCs (few of my not-so computer oriented friends swear that Macs DONT get infections) however it would be good to check the files before you transfer... you should be able to check them with any good anti virus/spyware program, Avast can scan whatever u want it to

it would probably pay to have the computer clean before you transfer download some decent Anti virus/spyware/malware ect ect and scan, it may even be worth you while having a hijackthis log checked if you are really worried about infections...
__________________
"Friends dont let friends use Internet Explorer" Firefox is free and so much better!
"People ask me, how can I create positive change in my life? I say let someone in traffic! Just start with that!" --Serj Tankian
Richard Dawkins ......
"What Would I Do If I Wasn't Afraid" ~Who Moved the Cheese.
ferrija1's Avatar
Computer Specs
Distinguished Member with 9,756 posts.
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Experience: Mac Addict
09-Mar-2008, 03:21 PM #6
I wouldn't worry, Windows viruses don't work on Macs, and there aren't any viruses in the wild today that are unpatched.
RootbeaR's Avatar
Computer Specs
Distinguished Member with 4,606 posts.
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Ontario, Canada
Experience: Getting it
10-Mar-2008, 01:46 AM #7
Quote:
Originally Posted by ferrija1 View Post
I wouldn't worry, Windows viruses don't work on Macs...
Byteman's Avatar
Moderator & Malware Removal Specialist with 17,387 posts.
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: NY
Experience: Junkware Jouster
10-Mar-2008, 03:54 AM #8
Quote:
Originally Posted by stephen1958 View Post
hiya does anyone know how to get rid of trojan pact 149

If you suspect you have any malware, I suggest you post a Hijackthis log in our Malware Removal forum

Here is how to do that:

Go to the above link and have a Reply window for your new thread ready to go.

Hijackthis:
go to Click here to download HJTsetup.exe
  • Click the blue "Download the Hijackthis Installer" link
  • Save HJTsetup.exe to your desktop. DO NOT just press run from the website
  • Double click on the HJTsetup.exe icon on your desktop.
  • By default it will install to C:\Program Files\Hijack This.
  • Continue to click Next in the setup dialogue boxes until you get to the Select Additional Tasks dialogue.
  • Put a check by Create a desktop icon then click Next again.
  • Continue to follow the rest of the prompts from there.
  • At the final dialogue box click Finish and it will launch Hijack This.
  • Click on the Do a system scan and save a log file button. It will scan and then save the log and then the log will open in Notepad.
  • Don't use the Analyse This button, its findings are dangerous if misinterpreted
  • Click on "Edit > Select All" then click on "Edit > Copy" to copy the entire contents of the log.
  • Paste the log in your next reply.
  • DO NOT have Hijack This fix anything yet. Most of what it finds will be harmless or even required.

Please also do this:
  • Open Hijack This and click on the "Open the Misc Tools section" button.
  • Click on the "Open Uninstall Manager" button.
  • Click the "Save List" button. After you click the "Save List" button, you will be asked where to save the file. Pick a place to save it then the list should open in notepad.
  • Copy and paste that list here in your reply
__________________
Mung (computer term), the act of making several incremental changes to an item that combine to destroy it
Donate directly to help the site TSG Library
TSG's Welcome Guide- Tips, Rules, How to use TSG and more!
IC8's Avatar
IC8 IC8 is offline
Member with 33 posts.
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
10-Mar-2008, 04:58 AM #9
Quote:
Originally Posted by ferrija1 View Post
I wouldn't worry, Windows viruses don't work on Macs, and there aren't any viruses in the wild today that are unpatched.
What are "unpatched viruses"?
RootbeaR's Avatar
Computer Specs
Distinguished Member with 4,606 posts.
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Ontario, Canada
Experience: Getting it
10-Mar-2008, 02:14 PM #10
Quote:
Originally Posted by IC8 View Post
What are "unpatched viruses"?
Viruses that are active and can sneak through a hole that isn't patched. The patch closes the hole/vulnerability, making the virus useless.
adamm321's Avatar
Computer Specs
Member with 196 posts.
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: New England
Experience: Intermediate
14-Mar-2008, 05:06 PM #11
Well, I downloaded Avira anti virus and did a scan and the only problem it uncovered was a trojan labeled... TR/Ncase.A.3 It recommended quarantine and that is what I did. Is that all I need to do, or should I delete it too? I am getting ready to transfer files from the Dell to the new computer, am I all ready to go?

Thanks..adam
Byteman's Avatar
Moderator & Malware Removal Specialist with 17,387 posts.
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: NY
Experience: Junkware Jouster
14-Mar-2008, 05:14 PM #12
Hi, If you don't want to post the Hijackthis log, you should be ready to go.....you can delete the quarantined item.
adamm321's Avatar
Computer Specs
Member with 196 posts.
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: New England
Experience: Intermediate
14-Mar-2008, 10:18 PM #13
Hi Byteman...thanks a lot. I will delete that item. I'm still thinking about a hijack log. I realized today that I have all my family photos still on memory cards from my camera, which will allow me to import them very easily without taking anything off the old computer. Plus a lot of my music files actually came off my own CDs and none from downloading online. So I am going to rip my CDs to my new computer and this will take care of 3/4s of my problems. Leaving me a little time to work out what to do with the rest.

Thanks...adam
Byteman's Avatar
Moderator & Malware Removal Specialist with 17,387 posts.
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: NY
Experience: Junkware Jouster
14-Mar-2008, 10:26 PM #14
One good way to ensure that there is no malware present, on the old Windows puter or any CDs, disks, external drives, etc is to do some online scanning: You can scan CDs, if you put one in the tray before clicking to Scan> you have to do the full scan, "MY COMPUTER" or "ENTIRE COMPUTER" to scan cd drives etc.

Housecall online scan:
http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en...security_tools

Or this one:


HERE to run Panda's ActiveScan
  • Once you are on the Panda site click the Scan your PC button
  • A new window will open...click the Check Now button
  • Enter your Country
  • Enter your State/Province
  • Enter your e-mail address and click send
  • Select either Home User or Company
  • Click the big Scan Now button
  • If it wants to install an ActiveX component allow it
  • It will start downloading the files it requires for the scan (Note: It may take a couple of minutes)
  • When download is complete, click on My Computer to start the scan
  • When the scan completes, if anything malicious is detected, click the See Report button, then Save Report and save it to a convenient location. Post the contents of the ActiveScan report
__________________
Mung (computer term), the act of making several incremental changes to an item that combine to destroy it
Donate directly to help the site TSG Library
TSG's Welcome Guide- Tips, Rules, How to use TSG and more!
Reply

THIS THREAD HAS EXPIRED.
Are you having the same problem? We have volunteers ready to answer your question, but first you'll have to join for free. Need help getting started? Check out our Welcome Guide.

Search Tech Support Guy

Find the solution to your
computer problem!




Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
WELCOME TO TECH SUPPORT GUY! Are you looking for the solution to your computer problem? Join our site today to ask your question -- for free! Our site is run completely by volunteers who want to help you solve your computer problems. See our Welcome Guide to get started.
Thread Tools



Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter TechGuy.tv TechGuy.tv Mobile TSG Mobile
You Are Using:
Server ID
Advertisements do not imply our endorsement of that product or service.
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:49 PM.
Copyright © 1996 - 2011 TechGuy, Inc. All rights reserved.

Powered by Cermak Technologies, Inc.