Can't access safe mode to delete System Security fake anti virus virus. HELP.

Question

Hi, our SL500 has become infected with "System Security" fake anti virus software. We have tracked down how to remove it.
http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/system-security-malware-t222291.html
However when we get to the "reboot your computer in safe mode" (see instructions below) we can't as this is not possible.
We have tried F8...........Repeatedly . And also  Run->msconfig->BOOT.INI->/SAFEBOOT . But to no avail . Actually we get a pop up stating that Windows  can not find said command and have we typed it in correctly . Please could some one help us as this is driving us insane . One last thing . A computer WITHOUT a "safe mode " option, isn't that kinda of unsafe and a tad.....
Thanks in advance.  
Instructions for malware removal. 
You will need to print out a copy of these instructions, or save them to NotePad and put a shortcut to the file on the desktop so that you can refer to while you complete this procedure as you will be required to boot into Safe Mode where you wont have internet access.
Please download ATF Cleaner by Atribune.
Caution: This program is for Windows 2000, XP and Vista only
Double-click ATF-Cleaner.exe to run the program.
Under Main choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.
If you use Firefox browser
Click Firefox at the top and choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.
NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.
If you use Opera browser
Click Opera at the top and choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.
NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.
Click Exit on the Main menu to close the program.
Run MBAM again, only this time perform a full scan and post the log.
Please click here to download AVP Tool by Kaspersky.
Save it to your desktop.
Reboot your computer into SafeMode.
You can do this by restarting your computer and continually tapping the F8 key until a menu appears.
Use your up arrow key to highlight SafeMode then hit enter.
Double click the setup file to run it.
Click Next to continue.
It will by default install it to your desktop folder.Click Next.
Hit ok at the prompt for scanning in Safe Mode.
It will then open a box There will be a tab that says Automatic scan.
Under Automatic scan make sure these are checked.
System Memory
Startup Objects
Disk Boot Sectors.
My Computer.
Also any other drives (Removable that you may have)
After that click on Security level then choose Customize then click on the tab that says Heuristic Analyzer then choose Enable Deep rootkit search then choose ok.
Then choose OK again then you are back to the main screen.
Then click on Scan at the to right hand Corner.
It will automatically Neutralize any objects found.
If some objects are left un-neutralized then click the button that says Neutralize all
If it says it cannot be Neutralized then chooose The delete option when prompted.
After that is done click on the reports button at the bottom and save it to file name it Kas.
Save it somewhere convenient like your desktop and just post only the detected Virus\malware in the report it will be at the very top under Detected post those results in your next reply.
Note: This tool will self uninstall when you close it so please save the log before closing it.
In your next reply I would like to see:
C:\RSIT\info.txt
MBAM log
Kaspersky AVP scan results
Also let me know how the computer is behaving. 
This post has been edited by Octagonal: Dec 27 2008, 08:08 AM 

Answer 1

Thanks for trying to help. Sadly, I followed the instructions and it rebooted to the blue screen again.
It's going to have to go to Apple for repairs now. I'm out of options.
I am wondering how much easier it would have been if I'd created a time machine restore point. I got what I deserved for failing to do that, but I'm doubtful even that would have worked in this case. It does seem to be because of that piece of widely reported malware that didn't want to leave without causing damage.
The most frustrating aspect is the safe boot. I get to the desktop but without any menu, finder or dock. It seems to be similar to the problem below...
http://www.macsmarts.com/?p=109
But that's for Tiger. I tried that to no effect.
Like I said, it's going to have to go to Apple now because I've done so many things I don't know if I'm just digging myself a deeper hole.
Thanks again for offering help.