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Need help transferring data safely after malware infection

Anonymous
2025-05-19T12:46:24+00:00

Hi everyone,

My laptop recently got infected with malware. Unfortunately, both my Instagram and LinkedIn accounts were compromised—I've managed to recover Instagram, but I still don’t have access to LinkedIn.

My current laptop has a 512GB SSD and I also use a 1TB external HDD. I’m planning to switch to a new laptop (with 1TB storage) that comes with 1 year of McAfee antivirus.

My questions:

  1. How can I safely transfer my data (from both the SSD and external HDD) to the new laptop without carrying over any potential malware?
  2. Should I trust McAfee for this, or use additional tools like Malwarebytes or Kaspersky for scanning before transfer?
  3. Any specific file types or folders I should avoid transferring to re

duce risk?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous
2025-05-19T17:23:53+00:00

Good day!

Welcome to Microsoft Community. Thank you for sharing your concern with us today and we hope that all is well. First, I’m really sorry you had to deal with a malware infection—it’s frustrating, especially when accounts get compromised. The good news is, with the right precautions, you can safely transfer your data without carrying over malware to your new laptop.

1. Safe Data Transfer Steps

Before moving any files, scan and clean your current storage:

  • Boot in Safe Mode on the infected laptop and run a full scan with antivirus software.
  • Use a reliable malware removal tool like Malwarebytes, Kaspersky, or Windows Defender Offline Scan.
  • Manually check for suspicious files—delete unknown .exe, .bat, .vbs or strange hidden folders.

Once you're confident that storage is clean:

  • Transfer files via OneDrive, Google Drive, or an external drive, but scan the files before moving them onto the new laptop.
  • Move files selectively—instead of copying everything at once, migrate documents, photos, and essential files first.

2. Antivirus Options

McAfee is decent for general protection, but for post-malware cleanup, I’d recommend extra scans with:

  • Malwarebytes (for deep-rooted malware)
  • Kaspersky or ESET (for specialized threat detection)

Before trusting McAfee fully, update it and run a full scan. You can also use Windows Security, which is solid on modern Windows versions.

3. Files & Folders to Avoid Transferring

To minimize risk:

  • Avoid migrating system files or executables (.exe, .bat, .vbs).
  • Skip browser extensions and cached data—they might contain malicious scripts.
  • Be cautious with old downloads or software installers, especially .zip or .rar files.
  • Scan office documents ( .docx, .xlsx, .pdf)—some malware hides inside macros.
  • Check external drives for hidden partitions or autorun.inf files—these can auto-install malware.

After migrating, run another full scan on your new laptop to ensure nothing slipped through.

Hope this helps!

Regards,
Fritz-Bald

Microsoft Community

Moderator

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-05-20T14:36:33+00:00

    Thanks a lot. I was able to tranfer the data safely

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