i need help regarding my computer at home...

problem is when I search for something on IE or google, it takes me to the results page, but then i click on a link there and it opens up a new window where it displays random stuff and at times displays links to anti-spyware (if search is for anti spyware)...I cant access ANY anti-spyware sites from that machine....I downloaded superantispyware onto a flash drive and installed and ran that 2 times to no avail...still having same issues....

3 questions...

1) how can i remove this garbage from my machine;
2) what is safe to do on the machine, ie check email? I have music and pictures on the computer are they infected or can I attempt to transfer those to an external hard drive??
3) unrelated question, but I posted on virtual dr years ago...and that thread is still on here, I think - is it possible to delete that thread?

thanks