Will the google redirect virus affect my laptop?

[SazzySarah]

You have to be careful when using your computer and the Internet if you have a virus, there is always a chance you have a key logger on your computer and your personal data could be compromised!

I would recommend trying to remove the Google redirect and that fails then format. There are some great guides out there on removing the virus though (like the one below), so you shouldnt have to format!