When stuff like that happens (definitely sounds like a virus..), the first thing to try is to boot the pc up in safe mode. You have to hit F8 at the right time when booting up (this link may help: http://www.pcdoctor-guide.com/wordpress/?page_id=624). What safemode does is load the operating system up with the bare minimal stuff, so chances are it won't load up the virus.. Then when the computers running you should run a virus scan/anti-rootkit and get rid of it that way.

Yeah, unfortunately I just never learn and this isn't my first rodeo. Just finished reformatting and reinstalling everything. I'm pretty well set up to wipe it clean and start over whenever necessary. Though I did try safe mode and all that, I just got different errors. I knew something was wrong when I left because I was bombarded with hundreds of pop ups.

I do appreciate the advice though, had I not known that would have been very helpful

wacom rules

i got a wacom intuos 3 and it works great

tbh i still almost never use it

but i will in the future sometimes i use it to brush those tiny details and flares because due to the pressure sensitivity you can really make it exactly how you want

I'm really hoping if nothing else it helps me to be able to lay out my own body kit line work. I want to start there, then work towards using it for all of those tiny details.

Wacom Bamboo Fun( Pen and touch) 6x9, One of the best thing i bought in 09'
(except for my Canon Slr )

Personally i think the medium 6x9's are perfect. Because you can get into a bit more detail and precise then the small sized ones. I use the tablet more then the mouse now days, because it's easy and simple to use. Great for brushing as it allow smoother flow, and curvier strokes unlike a mouse

So if you see a cheap Wacom Go for it you wont regret .

I have a Wacom Volito2. I don't really know much about tablets, but imo it's fairly decent. And fairly cheap too.

i use a Trust TB5300, 6x4 and tbh, i've never wanted to use anything different. The pressure sensitivity matches the bamboo (512 levels) and other stuff. Personally i do prefer smaller ones because as klaus said, you dont have to wave your arm around as much. I bought an A4 size and changed it for the A6 one i have now just for that reason. It cost me £22 too

i like my aiptek 14000u
apart from pencil of it breaking after 1,5 years, it has been awesome
and well, it is a4, and i like that size, because it reminds me bit of "painting", when you can do nice flowing stuff too
though i think smaller would be as nice too, but this is what i have gotten used to

Same here. It's a bit getting used to when you're used to draw on a4 sheets, but once you've got the hang of it.. ^^

Thanks guys, these have been the sort of responses I had hoped I would find here. Hopefully I end up with one before too long, and can draw pretty well on paper so I'm hoping it helps in taking my chopping to another level.