Inactive Malware -avg toolbar & backup my pc

[Inactive] Malware -avg toolbar & backup my pc

Hello. I need your assistance. I have been a member of the BBS forum since 2004.

Computer:

HP Pavilion 15 Notebook; Windows 8; Norton Antivirus 2012 installed, plus Norton Utilities. All Microsoft updates are current except the new 8.1 update. (Computer is new.) I am currently using my old PC to access the BBS forum (Dell, Windows XP)

My computer experience: very good, not expert.

Problem:

I installed a new version of the Edit Pad Lite text program and accidently installed "BackUp My PC" and the "AVG Toolbar" with it by mistake. (I have used an older version of EditPad lite on my PC for the last five years with no problem.)

Actions taken:

When I realized my mistake, I removed the AVG Toobar and BackUp My PC application.

I also ran Norton Antivirus which said I have a Heuristic Virus on computer which was not removed.

Results of malware installations:

1) The virus has taken control of my Internet Explorer program. I cannot return to homepage and numerous popups continue to appear.

(Not sure if this next problem is related to the Backup my PC program removal. But it appears to be?)

2) The HP Assistant started blinking after Backup my PC was installed. When I clicked on the notifications icon, the HP Assistant updated various items and the BIOS. It still says that "I need to back up my pc" even though I removed the Backup program. I hope this was HP and not the malware?

3) I have an WD external hard drive attached to my home network that also appears infected. My PC was extremely slow after the laptop became infected. When I disconnected the external drive from the network, the PC functions returned to normal.

Questions:

1)What software can I download to remove the offending files and what is the correct procedure. I plan to download the files to my pc and then install the repair files with a flash drive. Since the damage is already done, should I remove the new version of EditPad Lite and use another text program?

2) How is the best way to remove the malware/virus from the external HD?

3) Note: I'm having difficulty getting into safe mode on the HP Pavilion. Any recommendations?

4) I don't want to connect the HP Pavilion to the internet so the 8.1 update doesn't automatically install while the malware is on it. What are your suggestions.

Summary:

Since both programs were installed from a reputable (?) program (EditPad light), Can I assume the problem is not too serious? (I cannot believe I created this mess all because I was on the phone and didn't pay attention to the install procedure.)

Many thanks. (You have helped my many times in the past.)