Is It a Virus or Is Your Computer Just Running Slow?
Is your computer running slow or infected? How to tell normal slowdowns from malware, spot fake virus pop-ups, and what to do right away if you're hacked.
Virus and malware removal, done completely
For the businesses we look after, we remove viruses, spyware, adware and rootkits, not just disable them. Then we close the hole they came in through and secure the accounts they may have touched.
Got a pop-up telling you to call a number, or someone on the phone asking to connect to your computer? It's a scam. Don't call, don't let them in, and don't pay with gift cards. If you already did, disconnect from the internet, don't log into your bank from that computer, and call us at (843) 422-2201.
Signs you have something
- Pop-ups and ads appearing even when your browser is closed.
- A new homepage, search engine or toolbar you didn't install.
- Friends getting strange emails or messages from you.
- Files renamed or locked with a ransom note.
- Antivirus that has been switched off and won't turn back on.
- Sudden slowness with the fans running hard while you're doing nothing.
Plenty of slow computers aren't infected at all. Our guide is it a virus or just slow? helps you tell the difference.
What our cleanup includes
Protect your data
Important files are secured before we start removing anything.
Remove, not hide
Viruses, malware, spyware, adware and rootkits removed, with scheduled tasks and browser extensions they left behind.
Patch and protect
Windows and your apps updated, proper protection installed, settings tightened.
Secure accounts
We help you change passwords from a clean device and turn on two-step sign-in where it matters.
Repair is part of our managed IT service. We repair computers for businesses on a managed IT plan, and we no longer take one-off repairs for home users. Clients: call (843) 422-2201 and we'll fix it over a remote session or on site.
Find out what we'd fix first
A free assessment looks at your computers, network, email and backups, and tells you plainly what needs attention.
For businesses: ransomware is different
If an office computer or server shows a ransom note, disconnect it from the network immediately and call us before anyone tries to fix it. The priority is stopping the spread and preserving what's needed to recover. Then read about our managed security so it doesn't happen twice.
Questions we get
Do you still repair computers for home users?
No. Computer repair is now a service for businesses on our managed IT plans, so it's handled as part of looking after your office.
Can you remove a virus remotely?
Often, yes, if the computer can still get online safely. Some infections need hands-on work, in which case we'll arrange hands-on time.
Will I lose my files during virus removal?
We back up your important files before we start. Ransomware that has already encrypted files is a different situation, and we'll explain your options honestly.
I let a scammer onto my computer. What now?
Disconnect it from the internet, don't sign into financial accounts from it, call your bank if you paid anything, and call us. We'll clean the computer and help you secure your accounts.
Related services
Computer repair · Hilton Head Island
Desktops, laptops and Macs diagnosed and fixed for the businesses we look after, by the same local team that has been doing it on the island for more than fifteen years.
Cybersecurity
Attackers go after small businesses because they're easier, not because they're interesting.
Remote support
Most computer problems don't need a visit.
Backup & disaster recovery
A backup nobody has tested is a hope, not a plan.
Related reading
Tell us what's going on.
Call, or send a few lines about your business or your computer. You'll hear back from a person who can actually fix it.
