Malware Removal — Cheadle Hulme & Cheshire

Virus, ransomware, adware and spyware removed properly. Fixed-price quote, same-day diagnosis, no data loss. Covering SK8, Stockport, Wilmslow and surrounding areas.
Call Tony: 0161 428 8882Request a quote

Malware removal done properly

If your computer is running strangely — popups you can’t close, sluggish performance, redirected searches, unexpected charges, or a screen telling you to call a number — there’s a good chance something has got onto it that shouldn’t be there.

I’m Tony Roberts, based in Cheadle Hulme. I’ve been removing viruses, malware and spyware from home and business computers for over 30 years. When you contact me, you speak to the person who does the work — not a call centre, not a franchise technician.

Malware removal is one of those jobs that’s easy to get wrong. A quick scan with a free tool often leaves the underlying infection intact — or worse, damages the system trying to remove it. I do it properly: full diagnosis, clean removal, system check, and a straight answer on whether your data is at risk.

Why customers across Cheshire choose Dreambytes for malware removal

  • Based in Cheadle Hulme — local workshop, not a remote service
  • 30+ years experience — including ransomware, rootkits, and persistent adware
  • No fix, no fee — you don’t pay if I can’t sort it
  • Data safety first — removal without wiping your files where possible
  • Plain English — I’ll explain what got in, how, and how to stop it happening again

Warning signs of infection

  • Slow or unresponsive computer
  • Popups and fake warnings
  • Browser redirects or new toolbars
  • Antivirus switched off or won’t run
  • Ransomware lock screen
  • Unexpected charges or account access
  • Fan running constantly at idle

Any of these — get in touch.

Same-day diagnosis

Most infections are diagnosed the same day. You get a clear explanation and a fixed-price quote before any work starts.

Prefer to call?

0161 428 8882 — I’ll give you a straight answer on what you’re dealing with.

Google reviews from local customers

Recent feedback from customers who trusted Dreambytes with their computers and laptops.

Google Reviews
Real feedback from local customers
Google 4.7 (82)
Steve Cranshaw
5.0
Google review
Laptop died and within an hour of my request for help, Tony outlined a plan of action and just half an hour later he’d been round and collected my computer to run a diagnostic check. Owing to the bizarre design of my Dell (hard drive soldered directly to the motherboard) and Tony’s best efforts to create a workaround, it was irreparable. However, amazingly, Tony managed to retrieve all my data! He offered to drop my desktop and files onto one of his spare laptops and dropped it off (on Saturday) so I could continue working until a replacement laptop could be sourced. He gave me recommendations (with replaceable hard drives!) and eventually he moved all my data onto my new computer. It was without doubt the most efficient, effective and helpful professional service I’ve ever had. Tony went above and beyond to ensure my issue was resolved quickly and with the minimum of drama. He’s a really nice friendly guy too. Rest assured, if you have a problem with your computer, you won’t find anyone better to fix it. Highly recommended.
Helen Stevenson
5.0
Google review
Great service. Collected, repaired and returned within a couple of days of enquiry. Much appreciated.
Colin Brooks
5.0
Google review
Spoke to Tony via email and text, he got in touch sameday, once it was established what was required Tony took the machines away and returned them repaired the sameday. Great service.
Jonni
5.0
Google review
I couldn't be happier with the service I received from Tony at Dreambytes. My son was delighted to have his gaming PC back up and running so quickly! Communication was excellent throughout the process, with regular updates. Professionalism, efficiency, and attention to detail were outstanding. I highly recommend Dreambytes - they are super friendly, reliable, and trustworthy. Fantastic service from start to finish!
Paul Livesey
5.0
Google review
Dreambytes provided an amazing service. They were amazingly quick, fixed the problem, ran loads of extra tests to check everything was good and were highly knowledgeable. Highly recommended.
Shaun Jodrell
5.0
Google review
Great service, quick and a decent price.
Steve Bernstein
5.0
Google review
First class service. Incredibly good communications. Diagnosis, options discussed, Price agreed, payment of deposit easy, work carried out and I didn’t even have to leave my house. My PC was picked up and delivered back and all within 24 hours. Would have no hesitation in recommending.
Stephen Gallagher
5.0
Google review
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE CAME AND INSTALLED MY EPSON PRINTER TODAY DONE IN NO TIME WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND 06/07/2O26 STEPHEN GALLAGHER
Chris Sallaway
5.0
Google review
Excellent service from Tony. He was professional, knowledgeable and kept me informed throughout the repair process. His diagnostics were thorough, he explained everything clearly, and it was obvious he genuinely cared about finding the correct faults rather than simply replacing parts unnecessarily. Highly recommended.

What I remove

Malware comes in many forms — some obvious, some hidden. Here’s what I deal with regularly:

Viruses & ransomware

  • File-encrypting ransomware
  • Trojans and backdoors
  • Keyloggers
  • Rootkits
  • Worms and self-replicating infections

Adware & browser hijacks

  • Persistent popups and fake alerts
  • Redirected search results
  • Unwanted browser extensions
  • Homepage and DNS hijacking
  • Fake antivirus / scareware

Spyware & remote access

  • Remote access tools (RATs)
  • Spyware and stalkerware
  • Credential-stealing software
  • Tech support scam software
  • Cryptomining malware
Malware removal diagnostics at Dreambytes workshop Cheadle Hulme

Proper removal, not just a scan

Free antivirus tools catch some things and miss others — particularly rootkits, persistent adware, and infections that disable security software. A scan that finds nothing doesn’t mean you’re clean.

When you bring a machine to me, I identify exactly what’s on it, how it got there, and what damage has been done. The infection is removed properly — not suppressed — and the entry point is closed.

  • Full diagnosis — identify the infection, not just the symptoms
  • Clean removal — not just a surface scan
  • Data protected — your files preserved where at all possible
  • Entry point closed — so it doesn’t come back the same way
  • Plain English explanation — what happened and how to avoid it

Your data matters

One of the first questions people ask is whether their files will survive. In most cases, yes — malware removal does not require wiping the machine or reinstalling Windows. Where it does, I’ll tell you clearly before any work starts and discuss your options.

I’m ICO/GDPR registered. Your device and data are handled with the same care I’d expect for my own.

If recovery of files is needed alongside removal, I can assess that as part of the same job — no need to go anywhere else.

Can malware be removed remotely?

In some cases, yes. If the machine is still usable and connecting to the internet, certain infections can be resolved remotely without the need for collection.

I’ll tell you honestly whether remote removal is appropriate for your situation — some infections require hands-on workshop access to remove safely.

More about remote computer repair

How malware removal works at Dreambytes

  1. Get in touch — call 0161 428 8882 or use the form below. Describe what you’re seeing and I’ll give you an honest first assessment.
  2. Collection & return — Due to the unpredictable nature of repair work and the time I spend working on-site, workshop drop-offs are not currently available. I offer a free collection and return service across Cheshire instead.
  3. Full diagnosis — I identify exactly what’s on the machine, how it got there, and what damage has been done. Fixed-price quote before any chargeable work.
  4. Removal & clean — the infection is removed properly, not just suppressed. Security tightened to close the entry point.
  5. Tested and returned — you get the machine back working, with your data intact where possible, and a plain English explanation of what happened.

Important: If you suspect ransomware or a data breach, don’t turn the machine off and on repeatedly — contact me first. Certain infections can be made harder to resolve with repeated restarts.

Malware removal across Cheadle Hulme and Cheshire

My workshop is in Cheadle Hulme (SK8), and I regularly cover the following areas for collection, return and on-site visits:

  • Bramhall — adjacent, regular collection and return
  • Gatley — nearby, easy to arrange
  • Stockport — regular coverage
  • Wilmslow (SK9) — full collection and return service
  • Poynton — including Disley and Higher Poynton
  • Woodford — short drive
  • Heald Green — within our service area
  • Cheadle — adjacent
  • Alderley Edge — covered on request

If you’re nearby but not listed, ask — there’s a good chance I’m already working near you.

Frequently asked questions — malware removal

How much does malware removal cost?

Costs depend on the type and severity of the infection. Simple adware removal is straightforward; deep-rooted rootkits or ransomware require more work. I give you a fixed-price quote after diagnosis — no obligation, no pressure. No fix, no fee.

Will I lose my files?

In most cases, no. Malware removal doesn’t require wiping the machine. If it does — for example with certain ransomware variants — I’ll tell you before anything starts and we discuss the options. Your data is the priority.

How did the malware get on my computer?

Most infections arrive via phishing emails, dodgy downloads, fake software updates, or compromised websites. Once removed, I’ll explain the likely entry point and what to do differently — not to lecture, just so it doesn’t happen again.

Can't I just run a free antivirus to remove it?

Free scanners catch some things and miss others — particularly rootkits, persistent adware, and infections that disable security tools. A scan that finds nothing doesn’t mean you’re clean. If you’re seeing symptoms, the infection is likely still there.

My screen says to call a number — is that real?

No. That’s a tech support scam — a fake alert designed to frighten you into calling a number where someone will ask for remote access and payment. Do not call it. Do not give anyone remote access. Contact me instead.

Do you cover business computers as well as home?

Yes. Business infections are often more serious — multiple machines, network spread, potential data exposure. I prioritise business-critical situations and can assess the scope of an infection across a small network if needed.

Request a malware removal quote

Send a quick message describing what you’re seeing — popups, slow performance, a lock screen, or anything else unusual. Include the device make and model if you can.

If it’s not malware, I’ll tell you what it actually is — no charge for the honest assessment.

Contact

Dreambytes Computer Repair
Cheadle Hulme, SK8

Call:
0161 428 8882

Text:
07778 224854

Opening hours:
Mon–Fri: 9am–6pm
Sat: 9am–1pm

Good to include:
What you’re seeing, make/model, and whether the machine is still usable.