[dog123]

If I have a virus is it delete(able) if I re-install my Windows Xp or will the virus be permantently stay in my computer?
If it deletes it, that's awesome!!

I wouldn't have a clue what ''Re-installing Windows xp'' means. Could someone please tell me what that is as well e.g. How to do it and what it does etc thanks.

[S0ULphIRE]

if the virus is *deleteable* then delete it! run a virus scan on your computer, and delete any viruses the scanner finds. you dont need to reinstall xp.
but as to what that means, windows xp is the operating system. You usually Re-install if the installation is corrupt. You need your product recovery cd to re-install. Just put the cd in, reboot your computer, and boot from the cd.

[dog123]

So ''Re-installing Windows Xp'' won't delete the virus? You need to use Virus scanners to delete it? I thought ''Re-installing Windows Xp'' deletes everything...

[Osiris]

yes it will delete it unless its a boot sector virus then you gotta run a low level format

[dog123]

Mmmm okay.. so not all virus will delete.

My computer is a custom built and I didn't get a Windows xp installation. Some people that I know have told me that I should have got the Windows installer but the compant that I've got the computer from have said that 'you wouldn't if it was a', ''custom built'' - is it true?

[yosa]

Don't for any reason reinstall windows, as it will delete(overwrite) wichever drive it is put onto. If you suspect a virus, post the details and name here, there is some free software that may help, there are some people that can help more.