I was ready to follow your latest instructions, but have hit another snag that prevents me from doing so bc I can't start up windows.
Last night, I closed the screen of the laptop, and the tried to wake it up this a.m but it would not wake up (the power was off?) So I hit the power button, and the screen we're getting is unfortunately familiar.
I've taken a very short video clip and uploaded it to youtube for you to see:
(sorry if this embeds ... I've tried to unlink the url twice)
This is a screen I was getting when trying to re-install windows (unsuccessfully) with the "previous" (related?) virus experience. Actually, when we took the laptop to the tech shop, they also saw this screen and remarked that it was peculiar, but didn't really look into the cause, so I have to wonder if the re-install really solved the problem and whether the infection was too deep for a windows re-install to have solved it.
We understand if the issues are too complicated and are prepared to give up on this laptop if it is beyond fixing. Still, our fingers are crossed. Thank you so much for your time and effort, Broni.