System Crash: Computer Repair for Dummies

[Comartemis]

It's finally happened. After six months of shoddy performance with a bunch of viruses on it that Norton has been utterly unable to purge from the system, my old computer has finally given up the ghost on me, and I need some advice on how to get it running again.

The problem appears to be a damaged or missing system file that prevents the computer from making it past the initial boot-up sequence; before the log in screen comes up when the computer boots up, the system crashes back to step one. Attempts to circumvent this with Safe Mode have failed, but occasionally I get a Blue Screen of Death naming a missing or corrupted system file.

Now when I had computer problems in the past I let my dad take care of it; he's a CEO at a big auto parts manufacturer and he would always have some of his tech support guys fiddle with the hard drive and install some virus protection and so on. This time, however, there is no way for me to hide the mountain of hentai I have "hidden" in My Documents, which I handled before by moving it to a detachable hard drive. Since I don't want to embarrass my dad by having his guys look through my stash, I need to take care of this myself, either by taking a crash course in computer repair or by saving up money and taking it to Geek Squad or something.

There are a few things I want to know before I take action: first, does anyone know how to fix the operating system or reinstall the system files in question? Second, if you yourself do not know how this is done, do you know of any places I could ask at that are likely to give me the info I need? Third, what can I expect to pay if I have to get it repaired by a business like the Geek Squad or similar businesses? Fourth, are such businesses required by law to report illegal material (such as pirated MP3 files or anime fansubs) to the authorities if they find them on my PC?

Thanks in advance.