What proper cleanup actually involves
A single infection often installs more than one piece of unwanted software, changes browser settings, and sometimes creates a way to get back in later. Removing the one program you noticed is not the same as removing all of it.
We scan with more than one tool, look for anything set to run automatically at startup, check browser extensions and home page settings, and confirm the machine is actually clean before calling the job done, not just quieter.
- Slow performance that started suddenly
- Pop-ups, fake warnings, or a browser home page you did not set
- A scary phone number or "your computer is infected" message
- Programs opening on their own or a webcam light turning on unexpectedly
Being honest about limits
Some infections damage or encrypt files in ways that cannot be reversed, and in rare cases the safest fix is reinstalling the operating system rather than trying to clean around a deeply embedded threat. If that is what your computer needs, we will tell you plainly before doing any work, not after.
We back up what can safely be saved first, and we are upfront if something cannot be recovered.
Securing your accounts after the fact
If the infected computer was ever used for email, banking, or shopping, those accounts deserve a second look. Some malware is built to capture passwords, not just slow down a machine.
- Change passwords for email, banking, and any account with saved payment info
- Turn on two-step verification where it is available
- Check for unfamiliar devices or sign-ins on your main accounts
- Review whether any purchases or messages were sent without your knowledge
Need patient, local help?
These Deskside services are the closest match for this guide.