Where to go for PC help (Virus & Malware Removal, etc)

[blackrain]

I don't really know where to go for these types of services because I fix everything myself.

However, my neighbor is not computer savvy. He just called to ask where he can take his parent's PC to be repaired because it has a virus or malware. Not sure what to advise. I know that Staples and BestBuy are usually overpriced. We also have a Microcenter, but I imagine that it is more of the same.

Should I recommend a small mom & pop shop? We have plenty, but I don't really know if any of them are good.

I may offer my services, but probably not until next week. I hate to offer because of the close relationship between us (what if something goes wrong)

Any thoughts or recommendations on how to proceed?

 

[highland145]

Restore partition if it has one. They can do that by themselves and save them some $$.

 

[blackrain]

Restore partition if it has one. They can do that by themselves and save them some $$.

That's a great option if they have everything backed up (and/or don't care about losing data)

 

[dbk]

Googling will prob help that guy out a lot in fixing his problems

 

[blackrain]

Googling will prob help that guy out a lot

He is the type that likes to spend money on third party services. He would rather just spend the money than waste his time.

 

[highland145]

That's a great option if they have everything backed up (and/or don't care about losing data)

Absolutely. Pain is the best teacher.


Not trying to sound asshole-ish but it's true.


I would go local M/P before I went to a chain store.

 

[blackrain]

Absolutely. Pain is the best teacher.


Not trying to sound asshole-ish but it's true.


I would go local M/P before I went to a chain store.

Not at all. I like the thought of just starting from scratch.

 

[Craig234]

Craigslist usually has people available.

 

[BoomerD]

Fix it for him. Charge him $100/hr so he knows he's getting professional grade service.

 

[slightlyhuman]

stay away. or charge him 150 an hour MINIMUM.

 

[BurnItDwn]

I try to avoid PC help. I will help only my fiance, and a small number of family members. Otherwise, I tell people to leave me alone.

 

[Sheep]

I may offer my services, but probably not until next week.

This is quite possibly the worst thing you could do in this situation. It seems like you know why, so just do not do this.

 

[rasczak]

send him a couple of shop numbers. absolutely do NOT do any work for him if you value your friendship.