You will be helped as soon as we see your Dump Reports
Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Posting Instructions

Ok
Here are the various causes of code 24. These come with the warning that the next BSOD may give other causes. These reports are like puzzle pieces, each one bring us closer to the answer.

STOP 0x00000024: NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM Usual causes: Disk corruption, insufficient physical memory, Device driver, Indexing, Resident antivirus, backup, defrag programs, Disk/Drive failing/failure

Download memtest86 and test RAM
www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105647-ram-test-memtest86.html
Run for 8 passes
If passes try a good stick in each slot for 3 passes
If fails do the same for 8 passes.

Please remove any CD virtualization programs such as Daemon Tools and Alcohol 120%. They use a driver, found in your dmp, sptd.sys, that is notorious for causing BSODs
http://www.duplexsecure.com/en/downloads
Use this SPTD uninstaller when you're done:

Uninstall your current Anti Virus and replace with Microsoft Security Essentials.
www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

Run the upgrade advisor to help discover hardware problems
www.microsoft.com/Windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx


Test Hard Drive HD Diagnostic or this test Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.

Based on my experience, I would check in this order

Hard Drive
Anti Virus
Memory test
Remove Alcholol 120%, Daemon or any other vitrualization programs.

First its a real pleasure to help you; I can tell you appreciate the service that the Forum provides.
Alchohol and Daemon are software that you had to download. If you do not know what they are, lets assume that you do not have it. If I had your reports, Iwould be able to tell.
If you want to wipe the machine there are two ways
Do you have an install DVD?
You can have your friend reinstall from the back up, if still possible.

I would go this route, however. It may temproarily fix your computer, so that we can get the BSOD reports for a permanent fix.

If you create a recovery DVD, you may be able to boot to recovery options
Create Recovery DVD

The Vista recovery disk is used to boot Vista when it won't boot - to run Startup Repair, System Restore, access a Command Line, Recover using a Vista Backup Image, etc.
System Recovery Options

If Vista will not start now, boot the Recovery CD to run Startup Repair which automates System Restore as well as numerous other tests including System File Checker which can repair system files which are not corrupted beyond repair.

If Vista still will not start, try booting into Safe Mode to run sfc /scannow to repair System files.
Special Thanks Given to Seven Forums.

Below is a bulletin distributed by MS to explain the start up procedure when Windows will not boot.

• Startup Repair. Startup Repair is a Windows recovery tool that can fix certain problems, such as missing or damaged system files, that might prevent Windows from starting. Startup Repair is located on the System Recovery Options menu, which is on the Windows Vista installation disc. If your computer has preinstalled recovery options, it might also be stored on your computer's hard disk. For more information, see Startup Repair: frequently asked questions and What are the system recovery options in Windows Vista? If your computer does not include Startup Repair, your computer manufacturer might have customized or replaced the tool. Check the information that came with your computer or go to the manufacturer's website.
• Change restart settings in safe mode. If your computer is stuck in a loop where Windows fails, attempts to restart, and then fails again repeatedly, restart your computer in safe mode and select the Disable automatic restart on system failure checkbox. For more information, see Advanced startup options (including safe mode).
• Reinstall. If no other options have solved the problem, and you are sure that your computer's hardware is functioning normally, you might need to reinstall Windows. A custom (clean) installation of Windows will permanently delete all of the files on your computer and reinstall Windows, so only use this option if all other recovery options have been unsuccessful. After the installation, you will need to reinstall your programs and restore your files from backup copies. For more information, see Installing and reinstalling Windows**.

There is no problem with a torrent, if you just download what you are trying to and do not get any surprises like virus. I have helped many with the information that I have given you. Use the XP machine, and follow the directions carefully.
I understand where you are coming from, Im no youngster either.