Do Trojans survive factory resets?

Ivan -- 21 Reputation points
2021-09-21T20:05:50.113+00:00

I recently got effected by a Trojan and because of it, I decided to do a factory reset but I've seen around that some viruses can hide in the BIOS or in the recovery partition and get installed back when you complete the the set up.
(I did a full reset)

So, do Trojans, the ones you get from email attachments, survive factory resets?

Windows 10 Security
Windows 10 Security
Windows 10: A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.Security: The precautions taken to guard against crime, attack, sabotage, espionage, or another threat.
2,756 questions
0 comments
Accepted answer
  1. Philippe Levesque 5,691 Reputation points MVP
    2021-09-21T20:20:07.383+00:00

    Hi

    It completely depend on the trojan/virus that you have, but yes certain can put themselves into the recovery partition, and other can destroy the partition altogether.

    I suggest to do a clean install with a iso or media kit if you have one.

    You can easily get an Windows 10 iso with the media creation tool from a working computer, and use that one. (https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/software-download/windows10)

    Thanks

3 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Liroy Benaïm 241 Reputation points
    2021-09-21T20:21:03.42+00:00

    Hello,

    I advise you to reset your windows via an external usb key and not from windows, at the time of installation delete all the partitions of your hard drive.
    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

    Have a great day!

    Please don't forget to Accept as answer and upvote :)

    0 comments
  2. Limitless Technology 39,356 Reputation points
    2021-09-22T11:03:00.727+00:00

    Hello Ivan,

    It totally depends on the virus/ Trojan and Considering the full reset, it is advisable to execute it using an external drive. and don't forget to backup your data.

    Do follow the thread using the below link,

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/a-virus-or-trojan-or-worm-that-can-survive-a/9abe4fbb-7952-44b4-9936-2a7ec3d881ba

    Hope this answers all your queries, if not please do repost back.
    If an Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it : )

  3. Ivan -- 21 Reputation points
    2021-09-23T19:02:20.547+00:00

    Update: I just bought the USB flash drive and I am planning to do the installation tomorrow or the day after.
    I saw some tutorials and some questions came into my mind:

    1. Do I need to delete all partitions? (Are D:\ partitions also in the list?)
    2. Does the installation of Windows 10 (from a usb flashdrive) delete all files, applications, softwares and settings? Basically a factory reset?
    3. In the installation of the Windows Media Creation Tool, it asks what media to use, should I click "ISO file" or "USB flash drive"? (I am using
      another computer to install the tool in the USB flash drive)
    4. How do I boot up the computer with the USB flash drive?

    @Philippe Levesque @Limitless Technology
    @Liroy Benaïm

    0 comments