Cool thanks for your help. I actually do have Avast and/or AVG, thanks for reminding me. I just don't remember which one is running on a regular basis.
And I do think my problem is spyware or malware. I use the term virus loosely...anything jacking my system is a virus to me.
It's trying to get me to purchase this XP something or other software in order to get rid of a virus. So I'm getting all these alert prompts saying my system is under attack, etc. And the copyright violation alert is trying to get me to "settle" rather than let the case go to court.
It scared me when I first saw it, but then I realized it was full of broken English.
So as I said, I have tried using MalwareBytes and Search & Destroy, but maybe they're not up to date enough. I'm unable to update them because whatever has taken over my system is preventing me from doing so.
I was ready to get a professional to look at it, but what I think I might do tomorrow is bring it to work so that it's easier and quicker for me to research (on my office computer) and troubleshoot in the same place. I'm also thinking of asking the guy we outsource our IT to if he's willing to help me out on the side, I assume if he's got the time it'll cost me less than taking it to a shop, and I can trust him.
But, feel free to give any more advice in the meantime...I'm not even sure I can bring it in here easily tomorrow seeing as I don't have a car...not looking forward to taking it on the bus.