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Can a virus get onto my USB drive

Anonymous
2022-08-18T21:42:03+00:00

I am sure my windows 10 laptop has a virus in it, so I have decided to do a factory reset of the laptop. However, I have some very important files on the laptop which I want to keep and I am pretty sure if I run the "keep my personal files" option on the factory reset the virus will just stay and hide itself as a personal file, so I decided to copy any important files manually onto my USB drive and then completely wipe the disk and put the files back in after.

However, I'm wondering can a virus get onto the USB drive? I do not want to run into the same problem again after resetting so should I store those files onto the USB? If not what is the best advice for what I should do next?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-08-19T21:24:22+00:00

    It will depend on the type of virus, there are some types of viruses that infect USB devices that were plugged into the infected machine and others that only infect Windows files. The best option is to scan your USB device before copying the files back to the computer.

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  2. Ron-6928 4,991 Reputation points
    2022-08-19T22:56:16+00:00

    As already mentioned, some malware can infect USB flash drives as soon as the device is accessible. You don't have to copy anything to it to get infected. Plugging in/off is enough to get infected.

    The safest way is to forget about those documents. However, if you can't lose them, be sure you have an anti malware installed/updated after reformatting/reinstalling Windows before plugging the USB drive. Treat that USB drive as an infected device. Also be sure the anti malware provides real time protection (automatically scans and intercepts malware before it runs). Without it, the malware will likely reinfect the laptop.

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-08-19T21:56:21+00:00

    I was just about to share this same information but you beat me to it!

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-08-19T09:27:17+00:00

    Hi there, thank you for your response, however I was asking if I just transfered normal, non infected files would the virus be able to get onto the USB just by me plugging it into the infected laptop?

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  5. Anonymous
    2022-08-18T22:29:33+00:00

    Hi, I'm Robinson, and I’m happy to help you today.

    I know how frustrating this may be for you but I'll do my very best to help you.

    Yes, if you copy an infected file to your USB and then copy it to your computer you may have the same problem again. Before copying the file the files to your computer you need to scan your USB drive for threats. You can use Windows Defender to scan your USB drive.

    1-Select Start , and then select Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection

    2-On the Virus & threat protection screen, under Current threats, select Scan options

    3-Select Custom Scan, then select your USB drive and click to run

    4-Wait until finished and follow the instructions to remove infected files if find any.

    5-Then you can copy the files to your computer

    Another option is to scan your USB drive using the free version of Malwarebytes. You can see more information and how to do it at this link.

    https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/artic...

    Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products).

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