-=> Quoting John Kismul to Rick Collins <=-
-=> FidoMail to 1:163/215, please.-=<
rc> That's not how AV software works. If it finds an infection, it
rc> will either clean the file (which may leave it non executable)
rc> or tell you that it can't clean the file and suggest you delete
rc> it. 
jk> Yes but that was not my point, it was that if the scanner had not
jk> found all the infected files after an infection, it would be
jk> safer to format or at least kill all files. 
You are searching (in vain) for some reason to rationalize formatting
the hard drive.  You are creating more and more tenuous "what ifs" to
justify your statement.  So, I'll just end it all with this:  What if
your FORMAT.COM _itself_ is infected, and your "formatting" simply
drops a boot sector infector?  I guess to guard against _that_
possibility you had better just dump the entire system in the trash
can should you get infected and buy a new one - just to be *sure*.
rc> If you subscribe to this last point you raised, then I would
rc> suggest you should format and re-install all your software every
rc> time you use your computer - just in case your scanner missed a
rc> virus. 
jk> Only if I get an infection, It's better to kill all your
jk> executable files, just in case, instead of taking a risk. 
No, see I'm playing "what if" too.  Your scanner doesn't detect the
infection, and neither do you.  Therefore, format and re-istall just
before you use your computer - every time.
I mean, you've gotta be _sure_, don't you?
TTFN. Rick.
Ottawa, ON 9 Jan 1:48 
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