Never-ending problem

I am having a couple of extremely frustrating problems with my computer. I have already executed the "Read and Run me first" instructions for eliminating malware. Also, I have already worked w/ a malware fighter in the spyware specific forum, and I have cleaned my system of all malware related problems. However, I am still experiencing these problems. I will break down each problem as thouroughly as possible.
- PRINTER PROBLEM: Whenever I attempt to print, Microsoft word (or notepad) freezes as soon as I click file>print. I have tried everything to solve the problem: I purchased a new printer (Epson Stylus C86), I have downloaded the printer driver from multiple sources (the software CD and online), and the problem persists. One more piece of possibly vital information: in my "printers and faxes" section of my toolbar there are 5 printer drivers present that correspond to printers that I have never owned or installed on my computer. The printer icons list names such as "Dr. Murphy" and "Ryan Conn" (people I have never heard of). When I attempt to remove these suspicious drivers, I receive and error stating "cannot remove, currently in use." Additionally, when my printer is turned on, if I even attempt to access "printers and faxes", my entire toolbar freezes and I have to close it using the Windows Task Manager.
- BOOTING PROBLEM: My computer is extremely slow to restart or shut down. More specifically, when I click "restart" or "shut down" my computer does absolutely nothing until about the 15th to 20th click on the restart button.

I am now completely lost as to what to do next regarding these issues. Particularly the printer problem, which I have been dealing with for approximately 2 months. I rely heavily (or at least used to) on my printer. Any assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Please let me know if I can provide any additional information to asisst in this process.
Thank you very much.

 

Are you hooked up to a LAN at a university or a office, or maybe on a CATV ISP?

What is your default printer set as? You may want to boot into SAFE mode and attempt to delete the other printers, along with checking Network Connections to see if said printers are listed in there.

I have had problems with Word freezing when trying to find a networked printer, and said printer is turned off.

 

I will be out of town and away from my comp for the next week. I will attempt these solutions as soon as I am back at my computer, and I will post the results.
Thank you very much for your help-Happy Thanksgiving.

 

I am not on a LAN or a CATV ISP. My default printer is set as the correct printer (epson stylus C86). When I boot into safe mode, I cannot view any of the printer drivers on my comp-the "printers and faxes" folder is empty. Also, when I try to acess "server properties" (still in safe mode) I get the message "Cannot be viewed. The print spooler service is not running." Lastly, I'm not sure where in network connections you are referring to check for the printers. When I go into network connections, I do not find any printers. Thank you for the suggestions so far, I will gladly attempt any other potential solutions to this problem.