Portable Memory Sticks

Is it safe to transfer files to a flash drive if my computer is infected?

My computer has a virus. I am planning on formatting my computer, but I want to transfer some files onto a flash drive to back them up. Is it safe to connect the flash drive to my computer without transferring the virus to the flash drive?

Public Comments

1. Yes it should be safe just after you have transferred the files make sure that you scan them for malware before you disconnect it.
2. as long as the information that you are going to transfer isnt infected it shouldnt matter. most viruses are not the type that attack your pics and videos, but they do attach themselves to your downloaded programs so be careful about what files you transfer. and if unsure do a individual virus scan on each folder before saving