Dell :: Can A Virus Survive Reformat In The MediaDirect Partition?
Oct 24, 2009
I have a dell XPS m1530, and because I am pretty sure I had a virus that my antivirus software could not pick up I reinstalled Vista.
I ended up reformatting the partition it was on before installing over, I also reformatted the recovery partition. But, apparently XPS system comes with a MediaDirect partition that I was unable to reformat (the windows set up did not let me do this).
I am wondering now if it's possible for the virus to have lived through the reformat in the MediaDirect partition. If so, how can I reformat that partition?
I bought a HP-Pivilion DV14-1551dx a month back and I haven't created recovery discs yet. After a month of usage I suspect some virus and spyware in my laptop because some of my friends browsed unprotected websites. Will the virus and spyware affect the recovery partition? Now if I create a recovery disc from the recovey partition will it be safe to use those discs or will it be affected by virus and spyware?
I have a HP 2000 2b09wm. It just broke, giving me the error message saying in so many words that I needed a new hard drive. Guess the old one went kaput (even though I just bought this pc on eBay not a month or two ago). I have a new HD and a Windows 8 reinstall software from a dealer on eBay. I tried multiple routes in attempting to reinstall the OS resulting in as many dead ends*.The last thing offered up was to delete partitions in the new HD. I looked at an eHow page, How to Delete Partitions on a Hard Drive. It says to get a CD that includes fdisk.com. I burned super fdisk (2 MB) from SFbootablecd.iso and fdisk (40 MB) from fd11src.iso. I went to the BIOS to configure the boot order. I put Internal CD/DVD ROM Drive first, saved it and tried both CDs. It always just boots to a screen with this:
Boot Device Not Found. Please install an operating system on your hard diskHard Disk (3F0)F2 System DiagnosticsFor more information, please visit: [URL] .....
I even tried putting USB CD/DVD ROM Drive first…same results.
So, my questions to you, I guess, is firstly, why are the fdisk CDs not booting? Did I burn the wrong fdisk? Secondly, do you know why my OS couldn’t be installed using the reinstall software? I’m assuming the software is legit and the computer did in fact originate with Windows 8.
*A couple of the dead ends:
Compatibility report - The computer started using the Windows installation media. Remove the installation media and restart your computer so that Windows starts normally. Then, insert the installation media and restart the upgrade. Do not select [ICustom advanced]I to perform an upgrade. [ICustom advanced]I installs a new copy of Windows and deletes your programs and settings.
Another route for Windows Setup, I get to this: Select the driver to install: Browse for Folder - Browse to the driver, and then click OK.It gives you the list under "Computer" which includes "CD Drive (E HRM_CCSA_X64FRE_EN-US_DV5" (the reinstall software) and underneath that, the folders - boot - efi - sources - support.Picking just the E drive itself, message appears: Load driver: No signed device drivers were found. Make sure that the installation media contains the correct drivers, and then click OK.
so I recently ordered my Studio XPS 16 and hopefully it will be coming 5/15/09(crossing fingers).
I am debating if I should reformat when I get it, I am a little nervous about doing it.
I was just thinking about manually uninstalling some of the crap that comes with it, like the facial recognition since I know I wont use it. Will I see a noticeable performance increase if I reformat? Or should I just uninstall the things I wont use?
I have installed the win 7 on Dell M1330, everything was right.
Then I occasionaly pressed the "Mediadirect" button instead of Power... the mediadirect was started and it seems it's crashed MBR.
fdisk shows: - 2 old partitions now. They were C: and D: before "Mediadirect" button was pressed (now these 2 partitions are shown without letters); - Mediadirect partition, which became C: This partition is active now.
I am trying to totally remove MediaDirect 3 from my laptop, and I can't seem to get it all the way off.
First, I press the MediaDirect button while the laptop is powered off to boot into the MediaDirect partition. This makes the "hidden" MediaDirect partition visible to my disk manager program - so I can delete it .....
Is it possible to install the MD version available in the Studio (4, I believe) in M1530? It certainly looks better.
Also, are there any new fixes for anything in M1530? I remember downloading a new optiarc dvd driver and it fixed some sound issues. Any new drivers (maybe from other dell sections) could help improve my M1530 performance?
I have to extend my C: partition because it's becoming to small (I'll use gParted for that), so I figure I can use the opportunity to get something done about that awful MediaDirect 3.5 too.
Right now I have four partitions on my hard disc: a 47 MB partition, then C:, then D:, then a 2 GB partition. I figure the first and the last are used for MediaDirect 3.5.
Could I just uninstall MediaDirect 3.5 from within Vista, then install MediaDirect 4.0, then repartition my hard disc including deleting the 2 MD partitions? Is this all secure when it comes to the scary "home" button?
Oh, and btw: I need MediaDirect 4.0! Is there some way to get it? Do I have to convince someone from Dell to send it to me?
(And if I DON'T get MD 4.0 could I somehow re-route the "Home" button, and still safely get rid of those 2 MD partitions?)
My issue is playing Blu-Ray Discs. I put the disc in, and the program automatically initiates.
After a while though just as its doing the the loading green circle thing the program abruptly terminates.
I have no idea why it does this. When I start the program back up manually and tell it to play the BD movie, it just says "Unable to detect a DVD or a DVD device on your computer.
I installed Windows Vista and Windows 7 to dual boot. I deleted the MediaDirect partition. Using this guide, what is the path to boot an OS? Or is there a better alternative?
I just finished reformatting and I'm on the desktop, but the highest resolution it'll go to is 1400x1050. I had 1080p before! Is this a driver problem because I have not installed them yet
Also I'm clicking the Eject Button and the DVD isn't ejecting
I know there is two partitions on my harddrive; one for everything (C and the other is recovery (D..
When I use my vista disc that it came with does it automatically do it for me or do I select which partition to reformat (or reformat both partitions)?
Then what do I do with the drivers disc? install during reformat or after?
I am having a problem with a 1501 reformat and need help.
I have done a complete reformat and everything seems to work fine except for one thing---I cannot get on the Internet. This unit was wireless capable before the reformat, but now doesn't seem to show any wireless capability and will not log on to the net even through broadband.
I am guessing that there is a driver problem with the network adapter? I have tried to download a dell driver to DVD from a different computer, but no luck so far. System Devices shows 5 different devices that are "questionable" with no drivers, including a "network controller" and an "ethernet controler".
I have the CD's that came with the unit, including a "driver devices" CD. I have tried to use that CD but no luck so far.
I am a rookie at this but have done reformats before without any problem. I am a student and this computer is something of a "repair project" for learning purposes.
I have 4 partitions on my disk as shown in Disk Management. I don't use hibernation, so I want to reclaim the 8GB partition for use as storage. I have a few questions regarding this.
1) What will I compromise if I remove the 8GB partition, other than hibernation?
2) I right-clicked on the OS partition and selected "Shrink Volume". I received the popup shown in the attached image below. It doesn't reflect anything about returning the 8GB partition to the OS partition. In fact, shrinking goes against my intention of expanding the OS partition to include the 8GB. Right-clicking on the 8GB partition only brings up "Help" in the context menu and is not shrinkable.
3) Can I do this any time after having used the laptop for a while, with data and programs already installed? Does the process affect existing files and installations?
I have a new 17R 7720 SE- that worked great when I got it, but after all the Dell updates- the Waves Maxx doesn't work, and if I use it for more than an hour the screen turns white and the Laptop screen then goes blank! I've called Dell and they told me the 17R 7720 SE runs hot because of the internal 2gb nVidia 650 Video Card.
I spent the money for a Cooler Master Laptop cooler with 3 Fans (separate A/C adapter to run this thing) and the Cooler Master sounds like a jet airplane under the Dell- and the Dell screen still shuts off. The only way to solve this is use an external monitor... if I would have known this I never would have order this worthless Inspiron.
I write this from my trusty Latitude D630- it's never let me down... the 17R 7720 SE has nothing but trouble! Dell recommended I reformat the Hard Drive, and re-install the factory software from the System Restore Disc...
I recently received my new Vostro 1320 and i'm quite satisfied with the system thus far.
I would however really like to put my own copy of XP on it (the system came with Vista Basic). I have my own copy of XP and all the XP drivers from dell's support site.
I've heard that there might be some issues regarding the BIOS that might make the reformat less than simple. Can anyone provide any advice about it or should I go about it as usual.
I have reformatted my old Inspiron 6400 in preperation of selling it, however I used to leave the Bluetooth module turned off the majority of the time when not needed to conserve power.
The module was turned off at the time of the reformat. Since reformatting I cannot get the Bluetooth to work. I can see it in the BIOS and I have loaded the drivers, but it's still failing to work or recognise it
to reformat my sisters Air... She is now visiting me and all the disks are in US. Computer is really working fine but she desperately wants to reformat it... Anyway, can I use disks that came with other mac to reformat it or it should be specifically Air's disks?
I've followed the instructions for the system restore / format HD, but when I press F8, I do not get the option to restore etc...its just takes me back 'home' to the start up page.
I have all my reinstallation disks from purchase - is there any other method I can use? I need to reformat and restore ....
how to restore / reformat an Inspiron 720 to factory settings? Its 6 years old now and in need of a reformat.online ive found several answers all suggest pressing F8 on system stsrtup and doing it there.however when i do that and choose Repair My PC i then only get 5 options
None of these seem to allow me to reset my PC to its original state.I didnt have a disc with the PC, there is a recovery partition on the hard drive so i presume i should br able to reformat from that.
I've had my Inspiron E1505 for about 2 1/2 years and dont get me wrong, i love my comp... i recently got a really, really bad virus and i tried running my anti's and it won't let me.. tried running microsoft's live scan and won't let me do that... i tried turning it on about 30 minutes ago and as soon as i log on it automatically logs me right back off even if i try it in safe mode... when it would let me turn it on it would make occasional random sounds.. i really need my laptop up and running again
Recently my laptop's desktop and icons have started to flash randomly,things like the sound icon has a x on it.A couple of days a ago avast warned me about a win32:trojan(other) in 2 places.
I looked at dell's instruction to replce the gpu but i think it would be to hard for me to do and my warranty is over.
I've been getting different problems that are crippling my PC now (E1705), it could very well be a virus, as my little sister was on here a day before they started, although I ran AVG and Trendmicro housecall scans and got nothing.
The first problem I got was an "ieframe.dll bad image" error. It caused various programs to not work, from IE, to games, to AIM, and even seemed to mess up certain websites? (facebook).
I replaced that DLL file and no-longer get the error, but the same programs don't work I get ***.exe errors now on various programs or they just simply don't come up. Not quite sure what the problem is, I've tried system restore, virus scans, chkdsk and have had no sucess.
I am about to take delivery of a new M4400 with all the bells and whistles, running vista ultimate 64, and plan to upgrade to Win 7 in the near future.
My faithful Latitude D600 circa 2003 has been running on AVG free edition and without significant issues, and also I am using Zone alarm as the firewall.
I am not certain you can get these in 64 bit, or even if they are the better solutions these days, so looking for alternatives.
