17. A technician follows the proper procedure for malware removal on an infected computer. However, the technician is unable to remove all the malware and decides to reload the OS. Which of the following should the technician select?
Answer: D
Clean install should be selected by the technician.
Reloading the OS is best accomplished through a clean install, which ensures that all previous data, settings, and malware are completely removed from the system.
A) Version upgrade
A version upgrade involves updating the existing operating system to a newer version while retaining the current settings and applications. This option does not guarantee the removal of malware, as it may carry over existing issues from the previous installation.
B) System restore
System restore reverts the system to a previous state using restore points that may not have been infected. However, if the malware was deeply embedded, this method could allow it to persist, failing to effectively resolve the infection issue.
C) OS repair
An OS repair attempts to fix the existing operating system without deleting user data or applications. While this might resolve some issues, it does not ensure the complete eradication of malware, which is the technician's primary concern.
D) Clean install
A clean install completely wipes the hard drive and installs a fresh copy of the operating system. This method eliminates all malware, files, and settings, providing a fresh start and ensuring that the system is free from any remnants of the previous infection.
Conclusion
The clean install is the most effective solution for completely removing malware and restoring system integrity. Other options like version upgrades, system restores, and OS repairs may leave vulnerabilities or residual malware, failing to meet the technician’s goal of thorough malware removal. Therefore, selecting a clean install is essential for ensuring the computer is secure and functioning properly.