Computer Upkeep Options

[Mommy]

Been having some strange issues with my desktop. Trying to avoid reformat/reinstall because I want XP, and I don't have access to a legal copy of it. Don't want to do the whole download from torrent crap. I think that's what caused the problem in the first place... downloading programs from torrents (not XP though. This is a legal copy I had a friend put on here.)

I'm open to suggestions... yes, even from Impala. I just want to know what tests any of you suggest.

Also, on a sidenote, does anyone know how to completely remove trial software from Adobe (I downloaded Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and InDesign). I do not want want to lose InDesign. I have a full version of that now. I tried the procedures listed on Adobe's site for removing Photoshop, but it removed crucial files needed to run InDesign. My god, their files are all over the place... The registry, everywhere. If all else fails, I could lose InDesign, but I would rather not.

Basically, I'm having 3 issues with my computer not including goofy error messages that sometimes pop up on startup. They are:

1) CD Drive will not read music cd's from stores or computer software. It will read and write on blank discs though. I have not tested DVD's. I did somehow get it to install NERO a few weeks back, but I don't know if that was before or after the issue began.
2) Screen tearing when my husband is playing WoW. Also, video card is running hot.
3) Random shutdowns while playing WoW
4) iTunes keeps uninstalling itself or doing other retarded shit (which doesn't suprise me). When I re-installed it this last time, it said "iTunes cannot open because there is a problem with your audio configuration. Umm.. My sound is working fine. My husband uses iTunes for his iPod. Sidenote: I still hate Macs.

These are the tests I have run:

1) Downloaded AVG free antivirus software and removed all found threats. Nothing looked that bad though.
2) Ran a read/write test through Sony on my CD Drive. Also, I re-installed the drivers through the site.
3) Currently scanning my computer with TrendMicro Internet Security. I downloaded the free trial. I have been really impressed with TrendMicro's free online scan, but for some reason, I couldn't get it to run using IE or Firefox. I downloaded the 30 day free trial of their purchase software. That is running now.
4) Ran Hijack This and cleaned all that up
5) Ran Systinternals Process Explorer to see what all svchost.exe files were running on my processes. From what I can tell, everything is legitimate.
6) Made a bootable disc through Microsoft to check the functionality of my RAM. About to do that once my system scan completes. Also downloaded Ram DEF 26XT to defrag my RAM
7) Re-installed the video drivers for my video card, but my computer didn't like that.
8) Removed video card and cleaned the heat sync fan thoroughly. It was pretty dirty. The fan still runs noisy and the video card gets hot, but some screen tearing disappeared.
9) Bought a new video card. Screen tearing stopped, but computer restarted again within 2 minutes of starting up WoW.
10) Restored to an earlier date several times... each time with it fucking things up more

I just think it's fishy that I would have all that hardware fail. The RAM is only a little over a year old. The old video card is like 4 years old, but it's a top of the line $400 card. It works better than a lot of the newer ones out there (minus the screen tearing that started occurring out of nowhere). The CD Drive is like 3 years old.

My guess is, I do need a new video card. Something software related is causing the dumping of the RAM which causes the restarts. I have no earthly clue what the hell is up with the CD Drive.

I do have a backup battery, but the electricity went out the other day, and I noticed it's only lasting about 30 seconds now if the power doesn't come back on. I doubt that power fluctuations could be causing the hardware issues though because it is sending consistent power... and, well, my hard drives are working just fine.

Any other software tools that are free that any of you recommend for cleaning up my system. I just want to be sure it's not software related before I go out and purchase new hardware. Last resort, though, is reformat/reinstall. I would rather buy new hardware and test that on the system before doing a clean sweep on my system. All the hardware I am having problems with, I can purchase from Best Buy and return if it doesn't solve the problem.

[Mommy]

Thanks!

I accidentally broke one of our $17 dvd r drives though

I was unplugging it to adjust something and the damn pins or something came out and got stuck in the SATA cable. I blame the cheap device. I'm not that strong, and I'm careful.