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Question

How much should it cost to remove a virus?

May 16, 2014 1:15PM PDT

Is $150.00 too much to remove a virus. I was quoted that amount after explaining that I was pretty sure my computer has a virus.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
How much should it cost to remove a virus?
May 16, 2014 2:09PM PDT

It all depends on who you have remove it?
I work on people's PC's in their homes, and I charge any where from $30 to $60 if it is an easy fix.
The big box stores like Best Buy will charge you more.

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Answer
Virus (Malware) Removal Can Be Free
May 16, 2014 4:56PM PDT

You'll need to ask for help here or go to some other websites. Be sure to register and state exactly what is wrong with your computer.

Bleepingcomputer.com: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/
avast forums: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?board=4.0
Geeks2Go: http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/forum/37-virus-spyware-malware-removal/

If you are able to follow directions exactly and don't mind working on these fixes over a few days, this may be the ticket for you.

Again, only a direct request for help here @ c|net will get you the help you need to fix from us. Same is true of above websites.

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Answer
Could be more or less.
May 16, 2014 11:15PM PDT

Keep in mind that removal is not a sure thing. I've encountered some of the newer pests like ZeroAccess that required the OS system CD/DVD (http://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-zeroaccess-rootkit/ and others) but the owner doesn't have it and what we had is another version. Conduit can cause the same grief (read http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/522327/uninstalling-conduit-searchprotect-deletes-ntldr-making-windows-xp-unbootable/ )

So the shop/consultant may have to add an hour plus the cost of the missing parts (OS CD/DVD) to the bill and more.

Did you give them enough to get it done?

Also, after decades, is it time to move away from platforms with this trouble?
Bob