XP? or Spyware/Adware in general

[Larix8]

My problem is my computer running Windows XP is taking over. I set the homepage, and the computer turns around and resets it - then it procceeds to launch about 10 internet browser windows. Its not usually a specific homepage either I think its random. I try to open up pcmech for example and it turns around and tries to open a diff site.

I've been using "Easycleaner" and found a lot of stuff to throw away, but dont think thats the solution. I'd like to system restore, but the oldest date I can go back to is a couple of months ago.

Reason why I think its either XP or Spyware/Adware, is because sometimes Microsoft will throw out some pop-ups claiming my computer is infected and I need to buy a bunch of stuff, or I need latest upgrades, or I need to buy a program to get rid of "memory bogging".

How do I get rid of all this crap?

[glc]

It's spyware, your browser has been hijacked. Read through some threads in the Security forum and download some tools to clean it up. If you need specific help, please post in that forum.