Need some advice regarding external hdd

[NotVeryTechie]

Hi there

I was helped by this fantastic forum to remove some nasties from my laptop. I have a whole bunch of stuff backed up on an external hdd and need to do a new backup, but I am scared to plug in the the hdd as I don't want to accidentially re-infect my computers. Is this likely? Am I being overcautious? How can I check the hdd without plugging it in?

Thanks so much
NotVeryTechie

[NotVeryTechie]

Hi there

Wonder if anyone has any thoughts on this, please.

All the best
NotVeryTechie

[Gary R]

Which Operating System are you using ?

[NotVeryTechie]

I run Vista home edition on a Toshiba laptop. I have installed Winpatrol.

[Gary R]

OK, you need to be able to attach your hard drive without it automatically opening, that way you can scan it with your anti-virus first to make sure it's safe before opening any files.

So the first thing is to disable autoplay.

• Click Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Autoplay
• When the Autoplay window opens ....
  
  • Uncheck Use Autoplay for all media and devices
  • Click Save
• Exit out of Control Panel.

Next ....

• Connect your external drive.
• Click Start > Computer
• When the Computer window opens ....
  
  • Right click on your external drive and select the option to scan with your anti-virus (most anti-virus programs will add this option to your right click menu)

Hope this helps you, any questions just ask.

[NotVeryTechie]

Thank you so much, I will follow those steps.

All the best

[Gary R]

You're welcome.

Keep safe.