I got a MAJOR virus while running on Windows...what to do now?

Question

I made the mistake of downloading a torrent while running on Windows, and I ended up getting the blue screen of death. I don't need to use Windows anymore anyways, but I'm worried it's going to effect my MacOS. By completely removing and uninstalling Windows, will that take care of the problem?

Answer 1

There are attacks against Cisco routers, but he didn't say his router was his concern.
There is malware that attacks memory, master boot record, page file, tries to disable antivirus, poisons the DNS, etc. Lots of nasties. Windows Vista and 7 are more secure than XP ever will be.
There is / was malware embedded in a pirated Windows 7 build.
If you want help with using removal tools, or what to use the next time, I have links or just search newsgroups and forums.
Most torrent clients open you up, broadcast your IP, and you will see denial of service attacks and others that "come calling" so I would add some rules to your router to block any incoming or outgoing on the ports used by torrents; I would log or insure that it really is preventing DDoS also. And block Windows Sharing at the router level. I much prefer a hardened router in addition and more important than software firewall (but always use both, but even if the software got disabled, you would still be protected).