I am so incredibly frustrated. First off, I am a blithering idiot when it comes to this stuff so please be patient

Back in July I bought a new Dell XPS 435T
Here are the specs:
i7 core CPU 920 @ 2.677 GHZ
6.0 GB RAM
64 bit Vista Ultimate
ATI Radeon HD 4850
After about a month I started getting these messages everytime I start it up:
"ezi_ra.exe unable to locate component"
"Catalyst control centre: Host app stopped working" (This same message pops up several times)
"Remote access application has stopped"
In addition to the above, I have these issues that happen everytime: Windows messenger "installs" everytime. Also, after about 5 minutes I get a message that says that my Norton antivirus's "advanced protection" failed to load.
Other issues: Everytime I try to use certain programs like Microsoft Word, for example. If I try to save a new file by clicking in the File name bar, it crashes saying "microsoft office has stopped working." If I try to use the internet, I cant click in similar windows without it crashing (32 bit version internet Explorer). If I use the 64 bit version (internet Explorer) I dont have flash player capabilities.
If I try to intsall a new program, I get an "access violation at address 7582F123" error message, and then a whole slew of similar messages afterwards.
Here's what I have tried:
I have downloaded the DDS scan tool and ran it, but the notepad pops up blank, so I cant post it. I tried downloading some anti malware programs, but cant get them to install (access violation error)
Does anyone have any advice for me?? If I take it in somewhere, what would be a fair price to have it fixed.
I REALLY APPRECIATE IT VERY MUCH, THANKS AGAIN.
-john
EDIT: I moved this topic to the Am I Infected forum as suggested by Broni ~ Elise
Edited by elise025, 17 January 2010 - 06:29 AM.