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Step-by-Step Guide to Redeploying the OS on Virus-Infected Computers

Last Updated On 03 Dec 2025 |
6 minutes read |

Computers in a network can become infected through various unpredictable sources. A virus may initially remain dormant, later executing malicious code that spreads across the network. This can result in stolen credentials, loss of business-critical data, corruption of files, manipulation of programs, and unauthorized access to systems.

What Happens When a Computer Is Virus-Infected?

Malicious viruses are designed to replicate rapidly, disrupt normal operations, delete files, reformat drives, and compromise the reliability and security of network computers.

How to Remove Computer Viruses?

While antivirus tools help prevent threats, OS Deployer provides a reliable way to completely wipe infected operating systems and redeploy clean OS images across affected devices. The steps vary based on the extent of infection in the network. Choose the scenario that best matches your environment.

Note
Ensure all virus-infected computers have been identified and shut down. If OS Deployer has not been installed yet, download and install it on a clean, non-infected computer from this link.

Scenario 1: Only a Few Computers in the Network Are Virus-Infected

  1. From the OS Deployer server, create an image of a clean, non-infected computer. Learn more about creating images.
  2. Create a deployment template and configure the deployment settings based on network requirements. Ensure that the target computers’ partitions are fully erased and replaced with the clean OS image. Learn more about customizing deployment.
  3. Connect the infected computers to the network and boot them using the bootable media created by OS Deployer.
  4. Deploy the clean OS image onto the target computers.

Scenario 2: Some Devices and the OS Deployer Server Are Virus-Infected

  1. Install OS Deployer on a new, clean computer. For licensing or assistance, contact osdeployer-support@manageengine.com.
  2. Create an image of a clean, non-infected computer using the newly installed OS Deployer server. Learn more about creating images.
  3. Create a deployment template and configure the deployment as required, including wiping the target computers before applying the clean image. Learn more about customizing deployment.
  4. Boot the infected computers using bootable media created from the new OS Deployer server.
  5. Deploy the clean OS image to the affected computers.

Scenario 3: All Computers in the Network Are Virus-Infected

  1. Download and install OS Deployer on a clean computer not affected by the virus. Contact : osdeployer-support@manageengine.com for licensing assistance.
  2. Create an image of a clean, non-infected machine. Learn more about creating images.
  3. Create a deployment template and customize OS deployment preferences. Applications can also be added at this stage to install essential software after OS deployment.
  4. Proceed based on the availability of a clean isolated network:
    • An isolated, virus-free network is available.
    • No isolated network is available, and the entire environment is infected.

An Isolated Network Is Available

  1. Create a bootable media and boot the target computers after connecting them to the clean network. Learn more about creating bootable media.
  2. Start deployment by entering the required authentication method: 4-digit passcode, MAC address, or administrator credentials.
  3. Deployment progress will be visible on the OS Deployer server.

The Entire Network Is Virus-Infected

  1. When no clean network is available, use the Standalone Deployment method. This method allows imaging and deploying OS to computers outside the corporate network.
  2. Create standalone media by downloading the standalone deployment tool along with the OS image.
  3. Boot each infected computer individually using the standalone media and deploy the clean OS.
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