[FastCarFan]

I am having a problem with my home computer. The Pelican braintrust helped with a previous computer problem, so I thought I should ask for help again....

Yesterday the wallpaper photo on our home computer went away & was replaced by the following message:

"YOUR SYSTEM IS INFECTED

System has been stopped due to a serious malfuntion. Spyware activity has been detected.

It is recommended to use spyware removal tool to prevent data loss. Do not use the computer before all spyware removed."

The text appears in a black rectangle. The 1st line is in red & the other text is in white. Note the poor grammar in the message (foreign-source virus?). There are no logos or anything to suggest that the warning is from my computer manufacturer (Dell) or our Norton antivirus software.

I have attempted to restart the computer several times. Usually it seems to be trying to start Windows & then stops. Occasionally I do get to the desktop with all of my icons (but no wallpaper photo) & the message above. I cannot seem to open any application, including Norton.

Suggestions? What should I do? Should I take it to a Geek Squad type of place? Should I buy some spyware prevention software? And if I do buy software, will I even be able to load it?

Thanks in advance for your help. I really appreciate it.