Any recommendations for getting a job with a spotty work history?

You sound a lot like me! I've made lots of poor career choices also. On your resume I wouldn't put down every single place that you've worked....like if you were only there a month I wouldn't add it. As far as the fake company, I would be a little afraid of saying that. Maybe you could say that you've been self employed the last five years fixing computers. Maybe say you were trying to start your own business fixing computers but it just didn't work out. You could use your friend as a reference for someone's computer you fixed. I don't want to say I advise lying on your resume cus it might come back and bite ya...but you may need to play up the things that make you look good and down play those that don't.