Borked Laptop = Build new computer

[Nique]

So the laptop I "borrowed" from my wife was dropped hard last night with an 'xp security' virus. Normally it wouldn't be a big deal but the system won't boot up using anything other than a normal start (No type of 'Safe Mode' is working), and after 2-3 min from logging in the system restarts without warning. I'm using XP and possible causes are A)Reddit or B)Connecting to our external HDD which would SUUUUCK (someone please tell me if this is even possible?). Both possibilities include a healthy dose of C) I've been running around online with my proverbial pants down (No virus protection or scanning at all).

At this point I've been told that the virus is embedded deep within the mystic catacombs of the system files, and recovering any files from the hard drive is a fools game becuase the virus will simply infect whatever I connect the HDD to. Nothing on there is CRUCIAL, but I would like to recover pictures and my boomarks, so I'm open to a second opinion with the reminder that there is literally no way for me to provide any additional information.

I've been tired of dealing with this againg laptop for a while though, so it's an oddly fortuitous time to upgrade. What better way to handle the frusteration of computer problems than going one-on-one with a pile of parts?

It's been 6 years since I built a PC so... I'm way behind. I'm planning on getting everything online from newegg or tigerdirect or whatever, but I'm woefully out of touch with interpreting current specs v. what I need. I mean, some stuff is obvious (More RAM = Good, even more RAM = better). But what about something like processors? Is 2.4Ghz good if it's a Quad-Core? Or should I go with a Dual-Core 3.6 Ghz?

Also, what kind of stuff do I need to get started? Are Anti-static bands really needed? Should I prepare a static free surface (I'm just in a small apartment with carpeted floors), or build the whole thing with naught but thin cotton shorts between me and the rest of the world?

How will I know what will fit in a paticular case, which is an issue occasionally with motherboards, yes? For that matter, I have no frame of reference for Motherboard specifications what's good/bad compatible with the CPU I wind up with?