Malware - Can't open any program or get online...

[agnostida]

I am running Windows XP service pack 3. I have had AVG free, SuperAntiSpyware, Malwarebytes Anti-malware, and CC Cleaner installed on my computer for over a year. They are up-to-date.
However I cannot access any of my programs, nor can I go online with my computer. As soon as my computer is turned on, an antivirus soft icon shows up in my taskbar and prevents me from opening any program or file. I get repeated error messages and warnings telling me that my computer is infected and do I want to purchase this antivirus-soft software. I don't. I want to access my own programs, but I am locked out of everything.
Where do I go from here? I don't know how to start my computer in safe-mode (yes, unfortunately, I AM that ignorant). If you could give me an idea on how to get started, or how to access my own anti-virus programs, I would forever be grateful.
Thank you so very much in advance.
Denise

[Kirbopher]

Hello, your comment has been removed. Please do not post malware advice, or post here in the malware forum, unless you need help. ~ DragonMaster Jay

[agnostida]

Situation now more drastic.

Cannot boot up the computer. This is what I get when I turn it on:

The option for xp recovery console or microsoft windows professional. It automatically starts with microsoft windows professional. After a few seconds the following choices are given: boot up in Safe Mode
                                  Safe Mode with Networking
                                  Safe Mode with Command Prompt
                                  Last Known Good Configuration
                                  Start Windows Normally

Choosing ANY one of those puts me right back into the xp recovery console or microsoft windows professional screen.

The computer never boots up. I am caught in a vicious vortex.  What now?

Help!!!!!

[mtech]

Hello, your comment has been removed. Please do not post malware advice, or post here in the malware forum, unless you need help. ~ DragonMaster Jay

[harry 48]

Hello, your comment has been removed. Please do not post malware advice, or post here in the malware forum, unless you need help. ~ DragonMaster Jay

[Dr Jay]

Hello agnostida, and welcome to CH!

These are links to Anti-virus vendors that offer free LiveCD or Rescue CD files that are used to boot from for repair of unbootable and damaged systems, rescue data, scan the system for virus infections. Burn it as an image to a disk to get a bootable CD. All (except Avira) are in the ISO Image file format. Avira uses an EXE that has built-in CD burning capability.

• Avira AntiVir Rescue System - Tutorial for Avira Rescue CD.
  If you encounter problems running the Rescue Disk, you can get further assistance at the Avira Support Forum.
  
• Dr Web LiveCD. Be sure to print out and follow the instructions provided in the User Manual.
  
• F-Secure Rescue CD - Rescue CD 3.01 released.
  Video: How to Remove Malware with F-Secure Rescue CD
  If you encounter problems running the Rescue CD, you can get further assistance at the F-Secure Support Forum.
  
• BitDefender LiveCD - Index of /rescue_cd
  If you encounter problems running the Rescue CD, you can get further assistance at the BitDefender Support Forum.
  
• Kaspersky RescueDisk - Index of /devbuilds/RescueDisk/
  If you encounter problems running the RescueDisk, you can get further assistance at the Kaspersky Support Forum.
  

If you are not sure how to burn an image, please read How to write a CD/DVD image or ISO. If you need a FREE utility to burn the ISO image, download and use ImgBurn.

Let me know how it goes.

[agnostida]

Thank you so very much for your help!

So, I took a look at the programs you suggested and then decided that this endeavor was beyond me.  Actually, I would have given it a go had there not been data on my computer that I very much did not want to lose. I'll have to start backing up more than twice a month!

I took my laptop in to a local place and they were able to save my data by removing my hard drive and doing a voodoo dance, or whatever it is that needs to be done with these things. You would know more than I. The virus has been removed and the laptop restored to factory settings, which in itself is a pain, since the factory settings are now years out-of-date and were glitchy to begin with. So I probably will be back lurking in the different forums trying to figure out how to de-bug and clean-up things like my start-up, etc...

But thank you for taking the time to help - it really was a help - I was able to make a decision based on the information, and that in itself, was invaluable.

You all are the greatest!!!!!

[Dr Jay]

Ok