My computer is in deep doo-doo

After reading some administrative replies to posts regarding malware removal, I downloaded "HJTInstall.exe" to my desktop, then attempted to install it by double-clicking the icon. No luck after repeated attempts.

Any suggestions as to how to get started? I'd like to create a log and post it for your analysis.

I've owned/used PC's over the past 10 years and the virus that is presently affecting my machine is the first serious problem I've encountered.

Symptoms:

1. Error messages on a constant basis, particularly one from "GoogleUpdate.exe" that includes the text "szModVer: 1.2.131.7 offset:00006eef".
2. Unknown, unsourced audio files that mysteriously start playing on a random basis.
3. Frequent computer shut-down and reboot.
4. SpyBot no longer runs.
5. The virus has now changed my desktop background and pop ups for the sale of spyware removal have rendered the machine basically useless. I am posting this from a laptop that has not been infected.

I am running Windows 2000XP on the infected machine. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

We understand that you are likely having difficulty running certain programs, including HijackThis. However, in order for us to help you it is necessary that you provide us with a HijackThis log, and it is possible you may be able to trick the malware into letting you do this. First, download HijackThis to a clean computer, then rename it from HijackThis.exe to any other name you want, using an .exe extension, for example... YourLastName.exe. Once you have done that, burn it to a CD (preferable to using a flash drive that may easily become infected) then transfer the renamed file to the infected computer and run a scan, then start a new topic and include your HijackThis log.

Please follow the guideline at the link below to start a new topic and post your HijackThis log. If you are unable to create and post a HijackThis log, then your only option may be to reformat your computer and reinstall the operating system.

This topic is now closed. Please start a new topic by following the HijackThis Guideline posted here, just be certain to rename HijackThis: >Guideline for posting your HijackThis log<