So my wife's computer is now no LONGER opening anything or if it does, it takes forever. Instead after it boots up it, you try to open a file, etc. and instead of doing it, it will "whir" in a cycle over and over like it is trying to do something but nothiing ever happens.  Is it beyond repair? or should I go to the expense of paying for an "EXPERT" to look at it? She is very frustrated (understandable).What is make/model of computer and do you still have SYSTEM recovery disc's for it?May I offer a suggestion?
If it is XP, it must be a very old computer. If it is not a laptop, you can use the monitor, keyboard and mouse over again with a refurbished computer of a similar model and make. The cost is possibly less than having a technician diagnosis and repair a major component. Plus you would GET a certified version of a newer Operating System. Perhaps Windows 7 Home version.
Just an idea.  
We should try cleaning it to see if it will make any improvement. Please LET me know if you want to do this and I'll move the thread to the Malware forum.