Virus, Spyware and Malware Removal

Cleaning-up a Windows computer infected with viruses, trojans, spyware and other malware can be a nightmare. Doing it right takes knowledge, skill and experience. Our staff has been cleaning viruses and malware off local customers' computers for over twenty years, and helping them keep their computers safe and secure.

Virus and malware infections can slow your computer down and even make it completely unusable. In addition, an infection puts the data stored on your computer, and even what you type, such as passwords, at risk.

If you suspect a virus or malware infection, stop using the computer and bring it in. The more you use an infected system or the longer one remains online, the worse the infection can get and the higher the risk to your data and privacy.

Your existing Windows installation, including all its programs and data, can often be preserved while cleaning up the computer; but for the very worst infections, a format and reinstall of Windows may be easier, faster and cheaper. If that is the route you decide for us to take, we can backup your documents, music, pictures, favorites and other data before reinstalling Windows or restoring the system to its factory software load.

A format and reinstall is also recommended for rootkit and backdoor infections, or if you keep sensitive data on your computer such as medical or financial records

We'll also provide recommendations for you and your family to help avoid a reinfection.

Ransomware

If you get hit with ransomware, some or all of your documents and other files get encrypted, and the only way to recover those files is to 'pay the ransom' to get the decryption keys needed to recover your files. There are some tools available from security companies and researchers that can decrypt some of the types of ransomware. Sometimes the bad guys fail to block all the possible recovery methods available. But often, you either lose your data, or pay to get it back.

Besides data on your PC, ransomware can also attack connected 'cloud' storage and files on external drives that are connected to your PC. It can also traverse your local network and look for data in shared locations.

Some security and antivirus products, including what's built-in to Windows 10 and 11, have methods to protect document directories against ransomware attacks. But the most important thing to do to protect against losing your files (or your money) to a ransomware attack is to maintain up-to-date, offline, backups of your important data. Those backups also help when other things go wrong, such as a failed hard drive.

If you don't know where to start, we can help!.

Antivirus and Anti-malware Software

Check replacement prices before you renew your antivirus update subscription, as a new retail package is often cheaper than what you can renew your existing subscription for. If the renewal price offered is high when looking on your computer, check using your phone--sometimes mobile browsers get a better deal.

Remember that Windows 10 and 11 come with a basic antivirus solution, so even if you don't install your own, you are still protected.