Virus & Malware Removal in Charlotte, NC
Malware has evolved far beyond pop-ups: it steals banking credentials, encrypts files for ransom and mines data, and a quick antivirus scan rarely removes it completely.
Bring in your PC or Mac. We scan it from outside the infected system, remove the malware and everything it left behind, close the hole it came through, and confirm it's clean. Most removals are done same or next day. The starting price is shown on this page, and severity sets the final price. The assessment is free and our work has a 90-day warranty.
Signs you need this repair
Adware and browser hijackers change your homepage, search engine and new-tab page, and keep putting them back.
A full-screen alert with a phone number is a scam. Don't call it. Close the browser, or restart if you can't.
Ransomware encrypts files and leaves a ransom note. Disconnect from the internet and don't pay before talking to us.
Cryptominers and other hidden programs use your processor in the background.
Unknown apps in startup, new browser extensions, or remote-access tools left behind by a scam call.
Your email or social account may be compromised, sometimes by password-stealing malware on your computer.
What usually causes it
Free software from download sites often installs extras alongside it.
'Your browser needs an update' pages and lookalike download sites deliver a lot of malware.
Invoices, shipping notices and shared documents that aren't what they claim.
Someone calls or a pop-up tells you to install a program so they can 'fix' your computer.
How we fix it
- 1Threat assessment
We check what's running, what starts with the computer, browser extensions, scheduled tasks and recently installed programs to understand what you're dealing with.
- 2Scan from outside the infection
Some malware hides from scanners running inside Windows. We scan the drive from a clean environment so it can't defend itself.
- 3Deep removal
We remove the malware and its persistence: startup entries, scheduled tasks, services, browser policies and extensions, and on Macs, rogue launch agents and configuration profiles.
- 4Repair the damage
We reset hijacked browsers, fix network and proxy settings, restore Windows security features malware turned off, and remove leftover remote-access tools.
- 5Harden and verify
We update the operating system and browsers, review security settings, and scan again to confirm the system is clean.
What the job involves
There are no parts in a malware job, but the work varies a lot with the type of infection. Here's how cases usually break down.
The most common and the quickest to clean.
More thorough work, plus advice on which passwords to change from a clean device.
We identify the variant, check whether a free decryptor exists, remove the ransomware and restore what we can from backups or shadow copies. We'll be honest about the odds.
When an infection is deep enough that cleaning can't be trusted, we back up your files, reinstall the system, and restore your data.
How long it takes
Most virus and malware removals are done same or next day. Adware is at the quick end. Ransomware, heavily infected systems, very large drives and clean reinstalls with lots of programs to restore take longer. We'll update you if it's going past the next day.
Models we repair
What customers say
… I originally brought it in with my external hard drive, hoping to just get the few files off the laptop BUT in less than an hour Michael had the old faithful laptop back up and running.Chozen Child · Laptop repair · Google review
Michael if We Save Data is AMAZING!! He is definitely the guru of this business! Michael restored my laptop after I locked myself out, could not remember the password and no longer had access to my old email account. …Alana Gibbs · Laptop repair · Google review
… This company ordered the part and repaired my laptop in a timely fashion for an inexpensive price. …Aniya Smith · Laptop repair · Google review
Real customer reviews from Google and Yelp, quoted word for word. … marks where a longer review was shortened.
Protect your computer and everything else at home
Covered Everything protects your phone plus up to 25 more devices, like consoles, laptops and tablets, for $19.99 a month. Set it up when you collect your repair.
How Covered works90-day warranty
On parts and workmanship.
Covered Everything
$99 per claim on this computer, $50 on your phone. Cancel anytime.
Fixed here, on our bench
Bring it in and we handle the claim with you.
Before you bring it in
- Disconnect from the internet if you suspect ransomware or a scammer had access.
- Don't pay a ransom or call a number from a pop-up.
- Note any programs a caller had you install, and what they asked you to do.
- Bring your login password and a list of the programs you rely on.
- From a different, clean device, change your email and banking passwords if you think they were stolen.
Clean it or start fresh?
Most infections clean up fully, and you keep your programs and settings. A clean reinstall makes more sense when the malware has damaged Windows itself, when a scammer had full remote access for a long time, or when the system was already unstable before the infection. We'll recommend one or the other after the assessment. If it's a reinstall, we back up your files first.
Thinking of fixing it yourself?
For mild adware, you can try removing unknown browser extensions, resetting the browser and uninstalling recent programs you don't recognize, then running Microsoft Defender's offline scan. Be careful what you download to help: many 'free PC cleaners' are adware themselves. Stop and bring it in if files are encrypted, if a scammer had access, if your security software has been switched off and won't turn back on, or if the problem returns after cleanup.
After your repair
- Change important passwords from a clean device, starting with email, and turn on two-factor authentication.
- Keep automatic updates on for the operating system and browsers.
- Download software only from the developer's own site or official app stores.
- Keep a backup that isn't always connected, so ransomware can't reach it.
Questions people ask
Will I lose my files?
In most cases, no. Removal leaves your personal files where they are. If a reinstall is needed, we back them up first. We'll tell you about any risk before starting.
Can you recover files locked by ransomware?
Sometimes. It depends on the ransomware variant, whether a free decryptor exists, and whether shadow copies or backups survived. We'll give you an honest assessment.
How much does virus removal cost?
This page shows where pricing starts. The final price depends on severity and is confirmed after the free assessment.
How long does it take?
Most removals are done same or next day. Ransomware and full reinstalls can take longer.
Is a tech-support pop-up real?
No. Microsoft, Apple and real antivirus companies don't put phone numbers in browser pop-ups. Don't call it.
A scammer connected to my computer. What now?
Disconnect from the internet, call your bank if you shared any financial details, and bring the computer in. We'll remove whatever they installed and check for anything left behind.
Do Macs get viruses?
Yes, though less often. Adware, fake updates and malicious configuration profiles are the most common Mac problems, and we clean those too.
Can you remove malware remotely?
Often, yes, for adware and many common infections. Severe infections and ransomware are better handled in the shop.
Do I need to buy antivirus software?
For most home users, Microsoft Defender on Windows plus good habits is enough. We'll make sure it's turned on and working.
Related repairs
Mail-in repair from anywhere in the U.S.
Free diagnostic when it arrives. Free insured shipping back.
- 1Tell us your model and the problem
- 2Ship it insured. We diagnose it within a day
- 3Approve the price. Fixed and back in 7–10 days