DV5224nr keeps shutting down, cant install windows

I have a 2 year old hp pavilion dv5224nr.
Girlfriend tells me it has a virus, since I rarely use this pc.
This virus was ridiculous, could not run or open anything.
It locked all admin privelages.
and decided to start shutting down randomly. (it never did this before, not once)
I decided to just put a clean install of XP on the drive.
Then the computer decides to shut down during format.
Well, this is where I ran into a wall...

I have tried numerous partition/bios/disk utilities/programs and have come to a couple self made conclusions..

a.) The computer didn't shutdown while sitting in wondows, nor would it shut down at other points of me not doing anything at all...

- This makes me think there is a possibility of overheating. But then why didn't it overheat before the "Virus" came and ruined the party.

b. ) maybe the virus screwed with my bios?
- not to sure about this.

c. ) When the computer shut down during the format, maybe the partition tables got whacked... or the MBR is defunkt. or the virus might have a connection with these areas.

- can't figure out what program I need to positively know.

I would love for someone to give this one a go.

You think you know computers?
I thought I did... Can't even begin to explain how many hours I have recently wasted trying to diagnose this possessed laptop.

ANY HELP WILL BE MORE THAN APPRECIATED!

Let me know if any more information is needed.

Thanks
Matt

Well, I do keep the AC on quite cold since I live in Florida.

And before this whole mess, the laptop didn't shut off once on its own.

So let's rule out overheating... Any other suggestions?

I am going to try the Acronis disk director.

Will let you guys know how the results go.

thanks for the initial responses.

ok here's what happened.

I got Disk Director on a bootable disc and used it to format the drive.
The Laptop did not shutdown during any of this process.

Vista installed completely and I watched it reboot to a blinking cursor.

So now I am stumped again.

Any insights?

Thoughts?

Thanks

Yes, and I took the memory out to look it over. (before my last post)

The 2GB of memory installed physically looked flawless, no indication of heat at least.

I just don't understand how it can go from being a great computer, getting a virus, the just refuse to return to the previous state.

ANY ideas ?

or possible any type of software that determines what is wrong with a laptop?

i dunno, bout to call a pc tech for the first time in my life... any recommendations in Orlando?

Reinstalling vista is a constant result, that being the blinking cursor of death.

And I did try resetting the BIOS to default, to no avail.

I did the BIOS HDD Test and it says its ok, and again... If you through my story, everything was working great before simple mistake my g/f made.

...FRustrated...

Purchasing a new laptop hard drive isn't in my current budget.

Plus, it is driving me mad that this computer worked. FINE.

and a virus can't physically due this damage. NOt likely at least.

I dunno, no one has any other ideaS?

been away for a bit.

Going to try the Ubuntu and will report the findings.

Also, should I have trouble finding out how to test the system through Ubuntu?

I downloaded Ubuntu 8.04 LTS Desktop Edition - Supported to 2011.

Then I chose the 64bit version for AMD processors, which the dv5224nr has. (Turion 64)
Anyway, I will report when I get home from class the findings.

Thanks for keeping in touch.