Software Installation & Troubleshooting
Junk software and toolbar clean-up, on site
After installing a free program, my browser has a new search page, extra toolbars and pop-ups I never asked for.
After installing a free program, my browser has a new search page, extra toolbars and pop-ups I never asked for.
Free downloads from software portals often come bundled with extras - a new search engine, a browser toolbar, a so-called PC cleaner that finds dozens of fake problems and asks for payment. None of it is a virus in the strict sense, but it slows the computer, clutters the browser and sometimes changes settings so it returns after removal. Removing it properly means finding every piece, not just the obvious icon.
What the technician does
- List installed programs and browser extensions
- Remove unwanted software, toolbars and fake cleaners with your agreement
- Reset the browsers and check nothing reinstalls itself
Note the program you installed just before the problems began - it often brought the extras with it.
About junk software and toolbar clean-up
We go through installed programs, startup entries, scheduled tasks and browser extensions, identify what each item is and remove the unwanted ones with your agreement. Browsers are reset to a clean home page and search engine without losing your bookmarks or saved passwords. If anything points to genuine malware or a scam, we switch to our virus and scam removal process and explain why, including any passwords worth changing as a precaution.
What usually causes it
- Free programs downloaded from bundling sites
- Ticking through installers without unchecking extras
- Fake cleaner or driver updater pop-ups
- Browser extensions added without noticing
Before we arrive
- Licence keys, subscription emails or account sign-ins for the software involved
- Administrator access to the computer
- The exact wording of any error message, or a screenshot of it
- For business software, the location of the data file and who else uses it
What a visit looks like
When you book junk software and toolbar clean-up, you tell us what's going on and we reply with a time that suits you and a price. Nothing starts until you're happy with both.
On the day, the technician arrives, looks at the problem in person and confirms the plan with you before starting. If something turns out different from what was expected - a part is needed, or the cause is somewhere else - we stop and agree the change with you first.
When the work is done we test it with you, show you what was changed, and leave the area tidy. For business jobs we note what we did, so there is a record for whoever looks after your IT next.
Pricing
From $60 + GST ($69 incl. GST) for remote help, no call-out fee
| Charge | Price | Incl. GST |
|---|---|---|
| Call-out, per onsite visit | $26.09 + GST | $30 |
| First hour on site | $135 + GST | $155.25 |
| Each half hour after the first hour | $60 + GST | $69 |
| Remote help session (no call-out) | $60 + GST | $69 |
| SuperGold card holders - first hour at home | $116 + GST | $133.40 |
Every visit includes
- Travel to your site
- Diagnosis on site
- Fix tested with you
- Plain-English explanation
- Notes for business jobs
- Tidy finish
Junk software and toolbar clean-up is charged at our standard rates: a $30 call-out, the first hour, then half-hour blocks. We never charge by the minute or in 15-minute steps, and there are no hidden extras.
Larger jobs - a new network, a run of cabling, a server or a camera system - get a free quote before any work starts, so you know the cost up front. Parts and equipment are quoted and agreed before we order them.
There is no contract, no monthly fee and no membership. You book the job you need and pay for that job.
Junk software and toolbar clean-up: questions
Is this the same as a virus?
Usually not, but it can be a gateway. Bundled junk mainly changes settings and nags for payment, whereas malware steals information or damages files. We check for both and tell you which you are dealing with, so you know what risk was involved.
Will my bookmarks and saved passwords stay?
Yes. We reset the parts of the browser the junk changed, such as the home page, search engine and extensions, while keeping your bookmarks and saved passwords. We check they are all still there with you before we finish.
Do you do junk software and toolbar clean-up on site?
Yes. We come to businesses and homes across Auckland and Hamilton and do the work where the equipment is.
How much does junk software and toolbar clean-up cost?
It depends on what's involved. Tell us about the job on the form and we'll confirm the price before any work starts.