Virus Really Messed with Computer – How Likely Would It Affect Photos I’m Trying to Save

Protecting Your Memories: How to Safeguard Photos After a Virus Infection

In today’s digital age, keeping cherished memories safe is more important than ever, especially when faced with the unsettling threat of computer viruses. Recently, a troubling incident with a virus struck my home computer, and I want to share my experience and insights on how it may affect your own precious files, particularly photographs.

The Incident

It all began when my husband inadvertently clicked on a malicious link while browsing a blog. The result? A formidable virus that wreaked havoc on our computer system. After a challenging restart, we struggled to restore functionality. To add to the alarm, the wallpaper had transformed to something unrecognizable, and a scam call from someone impersonating Microsoft followed shortly after, prompting us to hand over sensitive information. Thankfully, my husband saw through the ruse and dismissed the call.

The Dilemma of Digital Preservation

Given the gravity of the situation, I found myself with an urgent task: I had numerous pictures I intended to back up on a USB drive—a task I had regrettably postponed. With the virus incident fresh in my mind, I successfully restored the system to a prior point from about a week earlier, hoping this action could help me cleanly transfer my photos.

Despite Windows Defender not flagging any immediate threats, I remain cautious about the potential lingering effects of the virus, especially on the photographs I wish to save. This raises an important question: how likely are these images to carry the malware that infected our system?

Assessing the Risks and Taking Precautions

In navigating this precarious situation, I realized it’s crucial to consider a few factors:

File Safety: Generally, photos and personal files are less likely to harbor viruses compared to executable files. However, it’s still wise to perform scans with updated antivirus software before transferring anything to an external drive.
Factory Reset Considerations: We’re contemplating a complete factory reset to restore our computer to its original state. Before doing so, I aim to ensure any important data is safely backed up. I plan to use a reliable USB drive and scan all files before transferring.
Future Prevention: Moving forward, my focus will be on implementing more rigorous cybersecurity measures. This includes regular updates to antivirus software, cautious browsing practices, and avoiding suspicious links.
Backup Strategy: To prevent future panic, I learned the importance of establishing a regular backup routine. I’ll commit to transferring important