"Application can not be executed. The file .exe is infected"

[Malware Removal Specialist]

Do you have an XP CD?

If so, place it in your CD ROM drive and follow the instructions below:
•Click on Start > Run and type sfc /scannow then press Enter (note the space between scf and /scannow)
*Let this run undisturbed until the window with the blue  progress bar goes away
SFC - Which stands for System File Checker, retrieves the correct version of the file from %Systemroot%\System32\Dllcache or the Windows installation source files, and then replaces the incorrect file.

I put in the CD, but I didn't get the option to click start. Immediately it ran the CD and went to the Windows setup.
The options are: Setup Windows XP now, repair using recovery console, or quit setup.

I'll leave this screen alone until prompted any further.

[Malware Removal Specialist]

Use the Recovery Console. You won't loose any data.

Everything works great now! Thanks SuperDave, you were a tremendous help.

What programs would you recommend I get so the same thing doesn't happen again?

[Malware Removal Specialist]

If your computer is booting in Normal Mode please do as instructed in Reply # 13

What programs would you recommend I get so the same thing doesn't happen again?

I will recommend some programs once I'm convinced that your computer is clean.

I did the steps you mentioned, but I kept getting an error message, so I asked to one of the teachers in the IT department at my college what to do. He said it's best if I a clean install, so that's what I did. SuperDave I apologize for doing that after all the hard work you put towards helping me and I really thank you for that. I am just not sure which programs are best download. I've tried looking, but there's so many out there I am not sure which to get. The only thing I have downloaded so far is Avira AntiVir.

[Malware Removal Specialist]

I hope you didn't loose any data.

Use the Secunia Software Inspector to check for out of date software.

•Click Start Now

•Check the box next to Enable thorough system inspection.

•Click Start

•Allow the scan to finish and scroll down to see if any updates are needed.
•Update anything listed.
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Go to Microsoft Windows Update and get all critical updates.

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I suggest using WOT - Web of Trust. WOT is a free Internet security addon for your browser. It will keep you safe from online scams, identity theft, spyware, spam, viruses and unreliable shopping sites. WOT warns you before you interact with a risky website. It's easy and it's free.

SpywareBlaster- Secure your Internet Explorer to make it harder for ActiveX programs to run on your computer. Also stop certain cookies from being added to your computer when running Mozilla based browsers like Firefox.
* Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware
* If you don't know what ActiveX controls are, see here

Protect yourself against spyware using the Immunize feature in Spybot - Search & Destroy. Guide: Use Spybot's Immunize Feature to prevent spyware infection in real-time. Note: To ensure you have the latest Immunizations always update Spybot - Search & Destroy before Immunizing. Spybot - Search & Destroy FAQ

Check out Keeping Yourself Safe On The Web for tips and free tools to help keep you safe in the future.

Also see Slow Computer? It may not be Malware for free cleaning/maintenance tools to help keep your computer running smoothly.
Safe Surfing!

A majority of what was on my computer was music and movies. It's nothing I can't get back.
Thanks SuperDave for all the information on the software. I got all of them and they work great, but I do have one question. I don't know if you can answer it though. It deals with the Windows Update. I tried downloading the most recent Windows Update, but when I do my computer keeps restarting. In order to get my computer to startup properly I need to press F8 to go into the settings and choose "Last known good configuration." I'm not sure if I should skip it because of that, or download it anyway and try and find out what could be wrong.

[Malware Removal Specialist]

Perhaps you should post this question in our software forum. I'm sure someone can help you there.