Virus & Malware Removal in Crawley

Pop-ups, slowdowns, strange behaviour, or a full-blown infection? We’ll clean up your computer, remove the threat, and make sure you’re properly protected going forward.

Virus and malware scanning - Criddle Computer Care Crawley

No Fix, No Fee

Nothing to pay if we can’t fix it

Same-Day Support

Remote help often available today

From £29.99/hr

Transparent, honest pricing

Signs Your Computer May Be Infected

Not sure if you’ve got a virus? Here are some of the most common warning signs:

Pop-Ups & Redirects

Unwanted pop-ups appearing on your screen, or your browser constantly redirecting to strange websites.

Slow Performance

Your computer suddenly running much slower than usual, freezing, or struggling with basic tasks. Often it’s malware rather than a hardware fault, but our computer repair service can diagnose either.

Fake Security Warnings

Alarming messages telling you to call a number or download software to “fix” your computer. These are almost always scams.

Programs Opening on Their Own

Software launching without you clicking anything, or unfamiliar programs appearing on your desktop.

Emails Sent Without You

Friends or contacts receiving emails or messages from your accounts that you didn’t send.

Locked Files or Ransom Messages

Files you can’t open, or a message demanding payment to unlock your data. This is ransomware and needs immediate attention.

Browser Hijacked

Your homepage or default search engine has changed without you doing it.

Antivirus Disabled

Your antivirus has turned itself off and won’t switch back on — a classic sign of active malware.

Unexpected Account Alerts

Bank, email, or login alerts you didn’t trigger — possible sign that credentials have been stolen.

If any of these are happening, stop using the computer for sensitive activity — particularly banking, email, and shopping — until it’s been cleaned. Carrying on can leak more credentials and make the eventual cleanup harder.

What "Having a Virus" Usually Really Means in 2026

The word "virus" gets used as shorthand, but the threats that actually land on people's computers today fall into a handful of categories. Knowing roughly which one you've got helps us get you sorted faster.

Info-stealers (RedLine, Vidar, Lumma and similar families)

Quietly sit in the background harvesting saved browser passwords, crypto wallet files, and session cookies. Often picked up from cracked software downloads or dodgy email attachments. You'd never know they were there.

Ransomware

Locks your files behind encryption and demands payment to release them. Increasingly delivered as a service that anyone can rent, so attacks on individuals and small businesses have gone up sharply. Once files are encrypted, recovery without backups is rarely possible — prevention is the only real fix.

Browser Hijackers and Fake Antivirus Popups

Change your homepage, fill your browser with adverts, and push you towards paying for fake "PC cleaner" software. Annoying rather than catastrophic, but a sign your security has been compromised somewhere.

Remote-Access Trojans (RATs)

Give an attacker a live connection to your machine. Often spread through fake job offers, fake support calls, or pirated software. These need finding fast.

Phishing and Account Takeover

Not strictly malware on your machine, but the next step after one. If you've put credentials into a fake login page, the priority shifts from cleaning the PC to securing your accounts before money or data moves.

What We Do

We don’t just run a quick scan and hope for the best. We carry out a thorough clean-up to make sure the infection is fully removed and your system is secure:

✓ Full system scan and diagnosis

✓ Removal of viruses, malware, spyware, and adware

✓ Removal of potentially unwanted programs (PUPs)

✓ Browser clean-up (toolbars, hijackers, extensions)

✓ Security software review and recommendations

✓ Windows and software updates applied

✓ Advice on staying safe online going forward

How It Works

Get in Touch

Tell us what’s happening and we’ll advise whether it can be fixed remotely or if we need to take a closer look in person.

Scan & Clean

We’ll run a full scan, identify every threat, and thoroughly clean your system. We’ll keep your files safe wherever possible.

Protect & Prevent

Once clean, we’ll make sure your security is up to date and give you practical tips to avoid future infections.

Virus Removal FAQs

Can you remove viruses remotely?

Yes. The majority of virus and malware infections can be dealt with remotely, which means we can often help the same day you get in touch. If the infection is severe enough that the computer won’t boot or connect to the internet, we’ll arrange an on-site visit or collection.

Will I lose my files?

In most cases, no. We always aim to preserve your data during the clean-up process. In rare cases where a full reinstall is needed, we’ll back up your files first and discuss all options with you before going ahead.

How long does virus removal take?

A straightforward clean-up typically takes one to two hours. More severe infections or those requiring a Windows reinstall may take a little longer. We’ll give you a realistic estimate before we start.

Do I need antivirus software?

Windows comes with built-in protection (Windows Defender) which is perfectly good for most people. We’ll review your setup and recommend whether you need anything extra based on how you use your computer. We won’t try to sell you software you don’t need.

Virus Removal Across Crawley & West Sussex

We provide virus and malware removal services across Crawley and the surrounding areas, including Horsham, East Grinstead, Horley, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Redhill, and Reigate. Remote support means we can often help wherever you are in the area, the same day.

Think You’ve Got a Virus?

Don’t panic. Get in touch and we’ll have it sorted — often the same day.

Call 07356 295518 Send a Message