Mostly OT: Windows system cleaning?

[Alan Dayley]

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I have not cleaned a Windows system of malware for some time.  Lucky me!
 However, as a special favor to my wife's friend, I am now committed to
help them understand why their computer is flaky.  Lucky me!  ;^)

Hardware/driver/whatever else issues are not yet ruled out since I have
not yet actually seen the machine.  But, I am assuming that problems
will be found.

Being out of touch with the need, I am rusty on all the tools and
techniques for malware cleaning.  Some pointers to documentation and
tools that actually work well would be nice.  To keep it on topic, I
immediately thought of using a bootable Linux CD of some kind to get
started or even do the whole job, if such a thing exists.

What I know so far:
- - The system is running Windows XP.
- -- I suspect Home edition, if that matters.
- -- I don't know what service pack level it is or is not at.
- - The main system is described as:
"The system slows and freezes about twice a day, especially when using
the Internet."

An alternative solution is a for pay cleaning service that I can refer
them to.  Again, not having needed such a thing in a while, I don't know
what service source is worth the money.  Any tips on that is very
welcome also.

I'll have my last Kubuntu CD with me if I find (create?) the opening and
willingness on their part to try it out.  That would be the best
solution, if they can handle it.

Alan
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