Windows xp,recovery,linux,hp will not boot up

HP DV6000,Windows XP,2 years old
recent issues b4 current NON BOOT STATUS:
Avast antivirus had been picking up some files that couldnt be deleted (maybe dll or something with 32 in it...not positive on these)
I was getting popups...
comp. would start up on its own from hibernation state after a few minutes...this was happening for about 4-5 days

I started to clean it up
scans, spyware scans, hijack this
defrag

returned home after a couple days.
when it would not boot from its hibernatory state

Black Screen: offered 3 safe modes and normal modes.>all of which resulted in a blue screen that appeared only for a few seconds asking me about potential changes in software and antivirus i think

I put the recovery image on an external drive.

I am having issues burning that to DVD.
(using a friends hp dv9000 laptop)
stops due to Buffer Limit error (i think that is what it said)
CAN I USE CDS OR DVDS FOR RECOVERY DISCS
tried nero,sonic,avs...(one of them said it couldnt fit it on a 4.7 dvd+r....I dont know why it would just make a set of discs as such)

Recovery=10.3 gigs of files

So I tried to see if I could install UNBUNTU (5.1 Linux)...it had a Boot error during the installation.

I do not think the Hard Drive is screwed...

I transferred most of the important data prior to this implosion...but I wanted to obtain a few more things.

If i need to get a new hard drive: can I only upgrade to a 160gig 2.5"
part # 438485-001
and is it true this model only takes 2 gigs of ram?

I am so very thankful for any and all help regarding this...I am stressed over this and want to enjoy this time of year....my birthday is coming soon too...I live in ohio...ok thats enough about me for now....THANK YOU

 

You say you started to clean it up but you never followed through here
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=176721
on posting the cleanup and proper logs.

Your best option now is to contact HP and buy the recovery DVD for your DV6000.

Also if your search for your model on HP's site, you will probably find a manual for download which tells you the size hd you can use and the maximum amount of RAM.