Can anyone help!

I'm using Genuine Windows XP Home.

Yesterday I did my weekly maintenance ie. antivirus check ( twice ) defrag. and tidy-up.

NO problems found.

Closed computer. ( for a rest. LOL )

This morning when I open computer I am bombarded with pop-ups telling me my computer is at risk etc.

I also get what looks like an antivirus/spyware application from Windows.

After this finishes it asks if I want to remove the tons of problems it's found.

If I tick Yes, it goes to a site that asks for money for program.

I have tried, with my limited knowledge to delete anything that might be causing this but no joy.

I have Googled for Help but can't find any that did any good!

It seems more like a virus than anything from Windows.

Any ideas Please!

Download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (the free version)

Make sure the program is fully updated before performing a scan. As a precaution, disconnect your computer from the internet once the MBAM self-update is complete.

Depending on the severity of the infection, you may need to perform the scan in safe-mode.

Select everything that MBAM finds, click "remove selected". You MUST restart your computer when prompted.

After reboot, run a quick scan again; to make sure the system is clean.

You are not going to believe this!

I've been trying for ages and just going around in circles.

No way was I going to be conned into buying anything but as a last resort I hit the button to pay!

Problem seems to have stopped! "Just like that!"

Is this Microsoft playing tricks?

Before this happened I couldn't do anything with the Windows Firewall or Auto Updates.

Now I can!

Thanks for your help and sorry for the trouble.

This whole situation seems to be rather "dodgy" if you asked me...

I would still download Malwarebytes and run a quick system scan. What have you got to lose?