Re: [Thinkpad] virus on memory chips??

> From: Ron DeBaecke
>
> Can a virus infect a memory chip??

No. Memory is "volatile": it is completely erased when you remove the power.

> I seem to be the dumping point for friends and familys
> computers that need repair.. I end up with some of them that
> they dont want to spend the money fixing, etc.. I acuired one
> now that has known virus(s) on it.. What parts can i safely
> use from this machine?? I would like ot use the mmeory chips,
> and maybe the video card>> any issues??
>
> I assume only the HD and motherboard would be something to avoid..??
> drives, etc should be okay too..??

You can use *every* part of the old computer without fear.

Viruses are not magic. They are simply programs, like any other programs,
stored on the hard drive. If you erase the hard drive you erase all viruses
on it. Specifically, if you erase the Master Boot Record (MBR) then the
drive is as clean as a brand new drive.

Hitachi's Drive Fitness Test has a "wipe" utility that will erase the MBR
for you:

http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/download.htm

I seem to recall that this will work on non-Hitachi drives, but if it
doesn't, there are any number of other programs that can do this.

Or, more simply, when you install a new OS on the drive, it should provide
an option to completely repartition the drive. That's all you need to do.

-Mike

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Received on Sat Feb 18 20:21:33 2006