zlacker

> Standard answer to a potentially compromised machine is to start with a factory reset machine

How do you "factory reset" a PC ?

>>hulitu+(OP)
My minimum is start with a freshly formatted hard drive then reinstall the os, software(fresh not transffered), and data required for your use.

> There are more steps you can take to ensure greater safety.

There are firmware infections that can persist even after hard drive format. Though to my understanding os/user space to firmware infections are rare. As far as I know a 'factory reset' on phone and some laptops does not reinstall firmware and clear out firmware infections. So to my understanding the 'factory reset' found on phones is analogous to formatting your hard drive, reinstall the os, software, and data required for your use.