A local service for wiping a computer clean of malware and other gunk?
A Neighbor writes:
I help my elderly neighbors with their computer from time to time. But their Windows machine is now so slow, probably because of malware and accumulated stuff, that it's almost impossible to use. They probably need to have computer wiped clean and have Windows reinstalled.
Can anyone suggest a local service that can do this? They don't need anything fancy -- there isn't really any data they need to save off the machine. It just needs to a clean re-install. And about how much might they expect to pay for this?
This seems like a pretty straightforward question. And we're guessing a lot of people have encountered similar situations with computers.
So, got a local service to suggest? Or maybe some other course of action? Please share. And a few sentences or about why you're suggesting a specific company are always appreciated.
Say Something!
We'd really like you to take part in the conversation here at All Over Albany. But we do have a few rules here. Don't worry, they're easy. The first: be kind. The second: treat everyone else with the same respect you'd like to see in return. Cool? Great, post away. Comments are moderated so it might take a little while for your comment to show up. Thanks for being patient.
Comments
Have you tried running Spybot? It is a free download and it works pretty well. You can pay for a fancier updated edition but the free one has worked for me for a year.
... said Tess on Jan 5, 2016 at 3:19 PM | link
Spaulding computers. The guy is fast, and his prices are very reasonable.
... said Hock41 on Jan 5, 2016 at 3:24 PM | link
You may want to check and see if this is something that Computer Renaissance does over in Latham. I know they service computers and I've always had great luck with them.
... said SuburbanSlumming on Jan 5, 2016 at 4:35 PM | link
Seconding Spaulding Computers!
... said Paul on Jan 5, 2016 at 4:52 PM | link
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/locations/answer-desk?icid=BM_FAS_AnswerDesk
... said Microsoft on Jan 5, 2016 at 5:13 PM | link
Wolf computer in delmar. Got my old HP up to lightning speed for a decent price.
... said BS on Jan 5, 2016 at 6:44 PM | link
If you have a Macintosh computer, have a look at Capital Mac Service out of the Saratoga County area. Affordable, professional and makes house calls for Mac issues.
... said Mark H. Delfs on Jan 5, 2016 at 7:35 PM | link
clean install is easier but if you want to try get rid of it all then try using system restore to go back which sometimes works.
other option is turn off system restore ..try install malware bytes free edition and let that update and scan and fix. let it fix then reboot then run full scan again. If it wont update then you have to manually update the detections from their site.
if infections is really bad and wont let you install malware bytes then you need to use a portable killer -->
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/five-apps/five-portable-antivirus-and-antimalware-tools-to-carry-with-you-at-all-times/
... said Spy on Jan 5, 2016 at 8:08 PM | link
Spaulding Computers - third! Amazing and affordable.
... said Lola on Jan 6, 2016 at 9:19 AM | link
Eric does fantastic work on and has helped me with my PC and Mac. He has flat rat pricing for fixes and came on site for my computers. His website is www.ericscomputerservices.com
... said John on Jan 6, 2016 at 12:42 PM | link
2nd for Eric's Computer Services https://www.ericscomputerservices.com
I was looking for help when I lost data on my flash drive recently. I contacted Eric since I was looking for a company in the Albany area and anyone qualified seemed hard to fine, he was quick to help and quoted hundreds of dollars less. He was able to get 100% of my data and is great with computers too!
... said Howard on Jan 6, 2016 at 2:56 PM | link
We have used Ed at Amgeek in Latham. He works from his home. http://www.amgeek.com/
518-783-1000. Nice guy, works fast, does a good job and very reasonable.
... said Linda on Jan 6, 2016 at 3:39 PM | link