A reader asks: “My old PC has a virus. Is it safe to move its files to my new PC?”

No, of course it’s not safe!

But if you’re patient, you can make it safe. Here’s how:

First, scan the old, infected system using an external, self-contained, bootable, DVD- or flashdrive-based anti-malware tool. (Examples; many are free.)

Boot and run the old PC from the anti-malware DVD or flash drive — not from its infected hard drive. Let the anti-malware tool run, scan, and clean all the files on the hard drive. (This may take a while.)

While that’s going on, make sure the new system is recently backed up, or otherwise able to be easily restored (e.g. from a fresh factory-restore disc).

Install or activate a reputable, up-to-date anti-malware app active on the new PC. (There are many to choose from, and your PC may already have one preinstalled; example.) Use that antimalware app to scan all files on the new PC.

When both PCs are pronounced clean, do your thing: Move/copy/etc. the files from the old PC to the new, by whatever means you wish.

When that’s done, shut down both PCs.

Boot the new PC with the same antimalware tool you used earlier. Let it fully scan the new PC.

When the new PC comes up clean, you can be pretty confident that nothing bad made it over to your new system. You should be good to go!

Related info.

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