What should I do if I think I have malware

person31

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Jun 13, 2015
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Hi, I am really worried about malware on my computer because I used to download a lot of torrents for pirated games when I didn't know what the consequences would be. There is no obvious malware, but my PC does seem to be getting really slow compared to how fast it used to be. I am not sure if there is any form of key logger or anything that can retrieve my credentials to any site.
I am thinking of formatting my hard drive to make sure I get rid of anything that shouldn't be there. If I do this, I would also copy important files like family pictures, school work and anything else that I desperately need. If there were malware on my computer, would it also be embedded in these important documents? I'm not sure if they can infect other files aswell, or if that requires some sort of user interaction?

Secondly, I'm considering building a new PC and starting over. I will probably re-use some components like CPU, motherboard and GPU to save some money. The question here is, is it possible for malware to effect these components? I mean like Messing around with the bios to cause damage and drivers or configuration.
I really don't know what to do.
 
Solution
First of all, download malware bytes, it's free and the bed malware software you can get, second hoe full is your hard drive? A full hard drive will drastically reduce your preformance

heavyartillary9

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Sep 29, 2016
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Also, rebuilding your computer is unnecessary, worst case you back up anything you want to save then wipe the drive, but if you are building new anyways, then you could format the drive, or just get rid of it, I'm not aware of any malware or virus that can affect bios and or any other components
 

R_1

Expert
Ambassador
for malware and virii infestations I always change environments.
I have a thumb drive with linux on it - puppy linux - I boot to the drive (a known clean environment) I then use the clean OS to scan the suspect hard drive using online scanners and the tools included with puppy.

it is normal for a computer to gradually slow down. the software is constantly updated the hardware not.
What is your maintenance routine? Have you scanned your drives for surface defects? (HDD only)

A good Scanner will scan documents for macro virii which are making a comeback. its possible but unlikely that a BIOS is infected. you can reflash before installing a new OS if it concerns you.
 

person31

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Jun 13, 2015
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Thanks for the replies. so I have installed Malwarebytes and I'm running a scan now. So if I uninstall everything I've downloaded that isn't genuine, I shouldn't have any traces of malware which could be possibly related to them?
 

person31

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Jun 13, 2015
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Yh, just one last question, Would the files generated by the pirated games be safe? Basically I made some really good progress on PES become a legend and Master League and I don't know if I would be able to get back to that much progress again if I started over. The files for the modes are created when you select a mode so they were not included with the download. Would I be able to back these up and copy/paste them into the game when I pay for it or could these files possibly be infected as well?
 

heavyartillary9

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I dont see any reason why the wouldn't be safe, but I'm not sure if you can move them to a different game, never tried ir