What is the safest way to transfer files?

I have a few files on a computer that I worry might be infected with viruses or spyware (or some other kind of malware). I've decided to fix it by reformatting (fixing will take more time), but before I do, I still have some important files that need transferring (or backing up). What is the best way of ensuring that the files I transfer to other computers will be virus-free? I know using my home network isn't safe, and using DVD or USB storage might also be dangerous. What is the safest way of doing this? I know that there will always be some risk involved no matter what, but relative to other options, which one is the safest?

EDIT: I have a wide array of anti-virus and anti-spyware software on the receiving computer, but I'd still rather take precautions.

 

The best way is to just go ahead and burn them to CD or DVD, a flash drive would be the easiest route.

You can only be so safe, if the other computer has an anti-virus program you should be all set.

 

Good question. I think using either DVD or USB should be OK, if you take a couple of steps during the transfer process. If your files are word processor documents, I'd also recommend taking the step of converting them all to plain text. Depending on their size and the amount of formatting, it might be very time-consuming to recreate them. For all types of files, I believe you will be safe using the following steps.

1. Copy all of the files you want to save to a single folder on the machine that's infected.

2. Using up-to-date anti-virus and anti-malware apps (like Spybot Search & Destroy, Spysweeper, Adaware, etc.), scan that folder for any viruses or malware. Clean them on that machine.

3. Put folder with the cleaned files on either a new CD or a new USB device (if you think your USB devices might be infected, otherwise you can use any USB device).

4. On the un-infected computer, be sure that all anti-virus and anti-malware is up-to-date.

5. If using a CD, put the CD in the drive and close it while holding down the Shift key. This prevents Windows from automatically opening and/or running any programs on the CD.

6. Scan the folder on the CD with the updated anti-virus anti-malware apps.

7. If using a USB memory stick, follow the same steps but add these:

7A. Insert a USB device that you know is OK into the uninfected PC. In My Computer, right-click the Removable Disk icon, choose Properties. On the AutoPlay tab, select Prompt Me Each Time to Choose An Action, and OK out of the Properties.

7B. Remove that USB device and insert the one with the folder you are transferring.

7C. When the window pops up, select take no action.

7D. Right click on the Removable Drive icon in My Computer again and choose "scan for viruses".

7E. Open your anti-malware app and scan the folder (sometimes you can do this from the right-click menu as in 7D, but not always).

This should take care of any infection. But, given the nature of viruses and malware, no solution is guaranteed to work. If I had files I wanted to save that I thought might be infected, these are the steps I would take.

 

Thanks for the replies!

sanpabloguy. that's a very comprehensive guide, thanks. However, is there a chance that when I insert the USB into the infected computer, it will secretly write some hidden files onto the USB?

 

Make sure that you use 32 character or less names when burning to a CD - I have had files become corrupt and unreadable if the filename is truncated.

 

Well said. I've experienced similar difficulties with long file names.

 

The best way is to simply use the File and Settings Transfer wizard. Just pretend you are transfering to a new computer, and then pretend the reformatted/reinstalled computer is the new computer. Only restore the files and settings (which you will have done on a CD or DVD) after you have fully installed and updated your virus software on the reformatted computer.

To be on the safe side, also just do a straight copy of the files you want to save onto a CD, in case you need them.

I've done this dozens of times successfully.

 

why not just either A. share the C: drive as a network drive and scan the network drive from your pc for viruses / adware / spyware or B. rip out the HD, hook it up as slave (the virus can't execute itself while being a slave drive) and scan the slave drive for viruses / adware / spyware, then copy your data after you've cleaned up your drive. *I personally would go with B. for safety*

 

What you should do is, burn the stuff to whatever media you want, or put it on a usb key or external hard drive. Any of those are fine.

The trick is, when you go to load it back onto a computer, make sure autorun is turned off. If you do that, nothing will run unless you tell it to run. Scan everything for viruses, and don't run any executables you don't feel comfortable with. Data like bitmaps, jpegs, and text can't carry viruses in any malevolent form. Scripts, executables, and macros inside office documents can though.