Backing up with malware on macbook

[Kelbell]

I was trying to watch the newest Walking Dead episode on an admittedly sketchy website and unfortunately downloaded some malware in the process (Genieo & go photo that I know of but now the whole computer is slow and acting weird).

When trying to get rid of these, the forums say that manually deleting is the only option, but could do something bad to the drive. I then realized it's been a year since I last connected my external drive and did a time machine backup, oops

Now I am trying to figure out how to backup my computer without also bringing that malware into the backup file. Then I can safely remove the malware without risking my files. Can I use time machine or is there something else I should do? I'm still sort of figuring out how time machine works exactly. Help!

(I have Mac os x version 10.6.8 if that matters)

 

[pigoo3]

Now I am trying to figure out how to backup my computer without also bringing that malware into the backup file. Then I can safely remove the malware without risking my files. Can I use time machine or is there something else I should do? I'm still sort of figuring out how time machine works exactly. Help!

Assuming that you do have some sort of malware. You could try copying all your important files manually (one by one or in groups). This may isolate things well enough.

2nd thought. If you have a method of removing the malware…what makes you think that this process would risk your files? Of course backing up is always good first.

(I have Mac os x version 10.6.8 if that matters)

Great that you brought this up…because it could very well matter. Apple discontinued support for OS 10.6 back in February. This means no more Security Updates.

This doesn't necessarily mean that no one should use OS 10.6 when on the internet/email anymore. But it does "raise the bar" in terms of practicing "safe-computing". Since you mentioned watching the video on a "sketchy website"…you may have broken the "safe-computing" rule. Especially with an OS version no longer supported by Apple with Security Updates.

Maybe you knew this…and maybe not. Just wanted to mention it just in case.

- Nick