File and Virus Cleanup
If you've been hit by a remote support scammer, have had your accounts or identity compromised, or are looking for some peace-of-mind when it comes to your computer's security, our thorough computer cleanup is where to start!
We charge $149 if we find malicious software that needs removed, or $99 if your computer just needed Windows cleaned up and optimized.
**If you suspect a bank account has been compromised, be sure to contact your bank immediately (preferably in person) to secure your money!
Comprehensive Cleanup
Viruses & Malware
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Browser Hijackers & Search Engine Redirectors
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Trojans and Viruses
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Adware
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Crypto-miners
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Keyloggers
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Scraping Software
Future Security
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Free adblocker on browsers (Ublock Origin / Ublock Origin Lite)
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Free anti-malware scanner (Malwarebytes Free Version)
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Consultation on paid antivirus programs if desired
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Consultation on personal information scrubbers and identity theft insurance
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Help securing accounts
Remote Access Tools (RATs)
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Tools used by remote support scammers to gain access
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Backdoors for unattended access
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Cursor moving on its own
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"Windows updating" static page with cursor activity
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Any computer activity when unattended
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Compromised bank accounts
Optimization
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Dust removal
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Hardware health checks
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Drive optimization
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Windows updates
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Driver updates
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BIOS update (if applicable)
Junk Files & Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs)
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Windows junk files
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Windows basic repairs
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Hard drive is inexplicably full
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Popups that come up automatically
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Free programs that push advertisements and aren't useful
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Programs you don't recognize and/or do not want
Free Consultation
Call or drop by in person if you ever have any concerns about what your computer is doing!
We can install an adblocker and anti-malware scanner for free at our front desk; just drop by with your computer.
File Cleanup Included
Inside the Repair Shop:
What Is the Cleanup Process Like?
Intake
When a computer is brought in for a cleanup, we will ask you questions about what the device is doing or not doing, any symptoms leading up to you bringing it in, and perhaps fixes or changes you have already performed. We will also confirm that you've contacted your bank or other relevant accounts to make sure all of your bases are covered.
Offline Sterilization
The first stage of our cleanup is performed offline. This enables us to securely remove any remote access tools or data miners that might be attempting to reach the outside world. All of our virus and malware scans are performed at this stage, as well as a manual inspection of installed programs, running processes, and files in known infection sites.
Windows Cleanup
We joke that Windows is like a toddler with their toys—it leaves files strewn everywhere. We run basic repairs and cleanup on Windows to remove temporary or orphaned files that your system no longer needs. We also run Windows updates to make sure Defender is up-to-date.
Optimization
Optimizing your computer is the final stage of our process. It includes dust removal, hardware checks, updating drivers through the laptop brand or manually, checking your drives are optimizing on schedule—all to make sure your computer is running as smoothly as possible. We'll uninstall any obvious bloatware, and if your computer is struggling to run Windows smoothly due to hardware limitations, we'll be more aggressive about trimming down what Windows runs in the background.
Duration & Updates
The time it takes to complete our scans and cleanup varies widely by what needs removed, and the speed of your computer. Usually the process can take anywhere from a couple hours to a couple days, but we will call you with any updates we have. Please make sure our number is not being blocked in your phone: 208-765-8324. You're also welcome to call, email, text, or stop by for updates, as well.
Do we have to reinstall Windows?
It's rare, but occasionally there are infections so deeply embedded in your system that the only way to remove them for good is to perform what's called a "clean installation" of Windows. This entails backing your personal files (documents, pictures, videos, music) before completely wiping your hard drive. Then we would reinstall Windows from our shop tools. We can help reinstall programs you use regularly, and will restore your files, too. Sometimes this feels like burning down the house because we found a spider, so we only recommend it when the malware can't be totally removed any other way.