n00b question about Windows re-installation

[TheBrownlowMan37]

I had my computer repaired only a couple of months ago but for some reason the person who fixed it uninstalled Norton and now I have a whole bunch of viruses that seem to be eating away at my memory.

I don't want to pay to have it fixed again so I figured re-installing Windows would be my best bet, but I don't know much about it.

I know I'll have to back up my files but will it affect my internet connection once it's re-installed? Or will I be able to connect right away as soon as Windows is running again?

If anyone has done this before or can at least give me some pointers, I'd appreciate it!

 

[Jafa]

I blow my operating system quite routinely. I always reinstall.

If you connect to the internet via a networked modem (wireless or the blue cable) then you should be pretty right. The only issue you might have is drivers if your hardware is unsupported (quite likely). Make sure you have your drivers sorted prior because if you can't get your network adaptor working it can be a bit of a pain connecting to download drivers if you can't connect because you don't have the drivers (it's a little catch 22). If you have your install disks - great.

Avoid reinstalling Norton. It's a real piece of shit. Nod32 is probably the best. It's pretty cheap and works well.

 

[CF]

If you think you have some viruses why not just download one of the free antivirus programs available like avg or avast. It might save you having to reinstall windows all over again and potentially lose other programs or files you have on your hard disk.