[dudeofjude]

avast antivirus.

and http://www.malwarebytes.org/

usb device.

win 8, i had a genuine iso file and keys.

Model - 41113TU Product - C7D86PA#ACJ

[doubt_me]

If you already formatted your laptop those viruses should be gone but if you think you have a rootkit

Scan with this tool called kaspersky anti rootkit TDSSKiller

http://support.kaspersky.com/us/5350#block1

If you find something delete it.

But just to be extra safe re flash your bios/ update it and then scan afterwards to see if anything pops up.

[dudeofjude]

Do you have pointers on flashing the bios.

Had tried that TDSSKiller earlier.

[doubt_me]

Yea you can download it from this link and then follow the instructions

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?sof...

[dudeofjude]

thanks, worked like a charm.

So having flashed the BIOS and upgrading it, should I be secure that there is no rootkit inside the machine?

[doubt_me]

Yup.

Just ugh try not downloading random cracked programs and open up any spam emails.