Ransome Ware?

I don't know how you clean that crap. I do use Linux, but not an expert in cleaning up Whendoze stuff. But I WOULD look into creating what is known as a "linux live" cd or USB, you can boot your puter from that and windows will not be active. Your hard drive will then act just like a storage drive. The thing is, most all viruses targeted to windows simply won't do anything in Linux

However, this DOES NOT MEAN that if you can move your "stuff" to another storage, that as soon as you access it again in a new windows install, it won't start all over again.