Can an infected computer infect external memory?

Is it possible - using an infected computer - to infect external memory?
Does it make a difference which kind of external memory is used? (F.e.: external hard drives can be infected but SD-cards/USB-sticks cann't)
Does it make a difference which virus(ses) is (are) on the computer to know whether or not which kind of external memory could get infected?
Does it make a difference which kind of files were transferred? (F.e.: ".jp(e)g" or ".mov" or ".txt" are transferrable without any risk, but ".exe" could be dangerous)
Does it make a difference what is done? (F.e.: just copying cann't harm, but once opening/executing/... external memory could get infected)
Anything else making a possible difference?

Does it make a difference in which mode you start the computer? If you start in Safe Mode you're safe?

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Diepzeeknikker wrote:

Is it possible - using an infected computer - to infect external memory?
Does it make a difference which kind of external memory is used? (F.e.: external hard drives can be infected but SD-cards/USB-sticks cann't)
Does it make a difference which virus(ses) is (are) on the computer to know whether or not which kind of external memory could get infected?
Does it make a difference which kind of files were transferred? (F.e.: ".jp(e)g" or ".mov" or ".txt" are transferrable without any risk, but ".exe" could be dangerous)
Does it make a difference what is done? (F.e.: just copying cann't harm, but once opening/executing/... external memory could get infected)
Anything else making a possible difference?

Does it make a difference in which mode you start the computer? If you start in Safe Mode you're safe?

The correct term is storage. Memory and storage are entirely different.

No. Any removable media can get infected. As long as it can share files then it does not matter.

Yes. Media files can still be infected, but rarely are. If you don't do any illegal music downloading then you should be safe.

Unless you don't execute then you are probably safe.

Yes and no. Safe mode does not run most windows components. However, it's still possible to have infections active. Such as if it's attached to windows explorer.

Freshmen...
Sorry for the bad formulation and thank you very much for your efforts!

If I understand correctly though, I've compromised the whole arsenal catching a virus? Is there a way to know which storage is infected and which not?

Not a problem. You're welcome.

Not necessarily. It depends on the type of infection. If it's a file infecter like Sality then probably yes. Doing scans is the best way to determine if it's infected or not. Scans with 3-5 different products should be enough for a decision.