Viruses, pop-ups and ransom messages
Adverts that will not close, a browser that goes where it likes, or a full-screen message demanding payment or telling you to call a number. Do not call it and do not pay.
Likely causes
- Scam pop-up. A web page pretending to be a virus warning; alarming but often harmless.
- Adware. Unwanted programs that arrived with a free download.
- Remote-access scam. Someone was given control of the PC over the phone.
- Ransomware. Files renamed and locked.
Try this first
- Close the browser with Alt + F4, or restart the computer.
- Run a full scan with Windows Security.
- If anyone was given remote access, disconnect from the internet and change your banking and email passwords from another device.
What it costs
A bench diagnostic is £54, deducted from the repair if you go ahead, and you get the price before any work starts. We remove the infection, check nothing was left behind and secure the accounts that were exposed. Send an enquiry, or see the price list.