Everytime i open up my laptop for the last 5 days something comes up saying there are 18 problems i have and i need to sign up to pay x amount to keep it safe. Might be paranoid about stuff and is there a way to find out if its a scam or the whole truth before i open it up and some bastard robs me blind.

Screenshot the message and attach it on here.

Will be a scam no doubt.

It's a scam, don't respond to it.

Don't worry about it, Jay-Z had many more and still did ok

I had something similar Take it to a reputable computer shop who should be able to get rid and clear it. Should cost max. £25-£30 and that was down south. Also said to be careful what sites you log into.

If you have reputable anti- virus software installed i.e. Norton, McAfee etc then it ls possible that it has picked something up but these are usually trivialities. If so just run a scan and the anti virus will resolve it. If not best do what Essex says and take it into a reputable computer shop. Even some reputable anti- virus checkers will sometimes demand more money though, especially if you have had the package for some time. Hope this helps.

cheers everyone. the world was better when you only had pick pockets and muggers to worry about.

Never used a Antivirus for years, Just use Windows inbuilt detection.
As has been said run Windows Antivirus scan, But do a full scan.