Expert: Carolyn Meinel - 6/26/2008

Question
My son downloaded things on an unprotected computer.  

The icons are all missing from the desktop now.

There isn't even a start button to press.

What should I do?

Thank you,

Tracy

Answer
It sounds like it's time to "nuke" that computer. That's the term computer repair technicians use when they see one that messed up. When they see no antivirus and heaven only knows what was downloaded, they simply reformat the hard drive and reinstall the operating system.

If you want to nuke it yourself, you can do a better job than a repair shop. Before beginning the process, you first should get a complete Internet security suite -- not just antivirus -- on a CD, not as a download. Office supply stores and electronics stores usually sell these.

You also will need the operating system installation disk that came with your computer. Alternatively, the documentation for your computer might tell you there is a way to restore it to the factory default installation by booting into a restore mode. This probably would work because the restoration files would be kept on a hidden partition. I say "probably" because there is one kind of virus, a boot sector kind, that could escape getting nuked this way. But those viruses are rare.

Also, if you have an older version of Windows, you should go to the Microsoft site and order any Service Pack CDs for your operating system.

Now for getting on with nuking!

Your operating system restoration disk should have an option for a complete reinstall. It will warn you that you will lose all your files if you have chosen the right option. I doubt you will want to save anything from that computer, but if you do, you need to regard the backup as being full of dangerous viruses.

After reinstallation, next install any Service Pack CDs.

Then install your Internet Security Suite from its CD.

Now you can go online. Before anything else, let your operating system and security suite download all their updates. You will probably have your computer reboot several times by itself because that's what Windows Update often does to complete its updates.

Then finally you'll have to figure out how to control your son's downloads. Even the best security suite is going to have a hard time protecting against all the amazing and destructive malware hiding inside the things he may download. There are various parental control programs available, but they can be defeated by a tech savvy kid, so you'll have to pay some personal attention to your son's Internet use to make sure he isn't getting into trouble.

I'm half-glad my kids all reached adulthood before the Internet became so dangerous! It offers so much help for kids who want to learn and exercise their brain cells, but there are also so many dangers. I wish you good fortune and am glad you didn't just ground him from the Internet after this.