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Virus & Spyware Removal

Is your computer running slow? Giving strange errors? Won't do Windows updates properly? Is your web browser homepage getting hijacked? Is your antivirus program giving you fits? If you have any of these symptoms then it is likely your computer is infected with some type of spyware or virus.

A majority of computer users don't regularly scan for viruses and spyware. What's even worse is the fact that there is no single scanner utility to remove everything. Many times commercial scanners will find an item, only to not be able to delete or clean it. The ability of commercial scanners to find items varies widely as well. Only about 30% of computer users scan for malware regularly, and of those, over 90% use only one utility.

At Union Square Computers, we have a revolutionary approach to virus removal. We start by booting your computer with a specialized version of Windows, one that we have developed in-house. This version of Windows is clean and uncorrupted by viruses or other malware. Then we perform a battery of scans and tests on your version of Windows. Since your programs and viruses are not active during this process so they have no way whatsoever to hide from scanners and removal utilities. During the tests we use a wide array of commercial and proprietary tools to ensure complete removal of viruses from your system.

Our method of virus removal is much more complete than any scan done within the corrupted operating system. Don't be fooled by other companies who claim they can clean your computer up during an afternoon house call or over the internet - they will be able to remove the "easy" viruses but often leave behind nastier spyware, adware, Trojans, viruses, and even rootkits. Our removal method can take several days depending on how infected the computer is, but we guarantee that your computer will be returned to you 100% free of viruses and spyware - and with free tools highly regarded by security experts to help you stay infection-free.

Free Antivirus, Free Malware Removal Tools, and Free Optimization Utilities

Disclaimer: We feel that the following tools, when used correctly, can be useful for detecting and removing malware from your system. Be aware that some malware replaces Windows system files, so when infected files are detected and removed your computer may not be able to boot into Windows. Be sure you know what you are doing and refer to each program's instructions before proceeding. If you are unsure of what to do be sure to contact us before you potentially render your system inoperable.

Windows Vista and Windows 7 Users: Some of these programs need administrative rights in order to remove malware. Simply right click on the program icon and "Run As Administrator" to do this.

Before you start installing programs...

Microsoft Update External Website

Your first line of defense is to make sure that Windows is up-to-date. Contrary to what some self-styled IT gurus may tell you, the risk of getting infected by running an unpatched version of Windows is much higher than the risk of Windows Update messing up your computer.

Free Antivirus for Windows XP, Vista & Windows 7

AVG AntiVirus Free Edition 2011External Website

This free antivirus gives you active protection, that is, it blocks threats as you work. AVG 2011 now comes with rootkit & malware scanning and protection.

Free Spyware & Adware Scanners for XP, Vista, & Windows 7

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware External Website

One review out there says Malwarebytes tool is like bringing an M4 to a knife fight. This powerful tool is an essential addition to the malware arsenal. How to use MalwareBytes Anti-Malware.

Spybot Search & Destroy 1.6External Website

Spybot S&D is still one of the best tools out there - be sure to immunize your computer if you haven't already.

SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition External Website

This finds a lot of bugs the others programs will not.

Free Optimization Tools for Windows XP. Vista & Windows 7

CCleanerExternal Website

CCleaner clears out your temporary internet files (where malware typically gets a foothold), MRU (most recently used) list, cookies, old installer logs and even performs non-destructive registry cleaning.

DefragglerExternal Website

This tool defrags your hard drive much more effectively than the defragmentation tool built into Windows.

PageDefragExternal Website

This utility will defrag your Windows swap file every time your computer boots and keep things running smooth. This utility does not work on 64-bit systems.

Mac Essentials

Apple Update External Website

Even Macs get the blues. Stay current with the Mac OS X 10.5.8 Update, or for those of you with Snow Leopard the Mac OS X v10.6.7 update. These updates plug many security holes and resolve some performance and reliability issues some users may experience.

ClamXavExternal Website

This is the best virus scanner for OS X - and it's totally free. It can even detect the MacDefender virus. Don't be fooled by the urban legend that Macs are impervious to viruses - scan today and find out what is really running on your computer.