I seriously appreciate everyone's advice so far. unfortunately, I seem to have somehow made the problem even worse as it stands, the computer does not even start up (it loads, but it never plays the windows log-on noise, nor do my audio drivers ever load and is just all-around broken) and as a result of THAT, also is incapable of anything other than a hard shut-down. it won't even reboot or shut down properly, it will lock up. despite this nonsense it, in all other facets, "works", just...really awfully.
I really, REALLY don't feel like formatting this computer...is there perhaps any other possible thing I could do? hijackthis...I used it, but I honestly have no idea what it is I'm supposed to be looking for, although I'll admit nothing looked terribly odd. I even took measures and uninstalled java (figuring I could just reinstall it later) in the off chance that was somehow causing infection. If anything, that may have been what lead it to be worse? who the fuck knows. The computer kept trying to load DWTRIG20.EXE upon startup despite not being in any startup entries, anywhere. I read that the file was safe, but literally have never seen it until now and so out of complete paranoia just outright deleted it. the computer hasn't exactly thrown a bitch fit that it's gone, but I worry that may have exacerbated my startup issues. Legit willing to do anything, if not just out of sheer determination to fuck this thing up.
Edite: Gooredfix is the one thing I haven't had a chance to try, though at the moment the computer is disconnected from the internet in fear that its going to burst in to flames or something equally moronic that only this computer would ever possibly be capable of. While it may help with my redirect issues, it does sound like there's...a bit more going on than that, but it's worth a shot  |