>See if 'Open different internet places' Thread #1377595 Message #1377627 can help.
>
>>Doesn't it just! And not helped by the fact that I can't update to prevent such happening
>>
>>>It sounds like your computer is infected with some kind of malware that prevents access to antivirus web sites.
>>>

Hey guys

Just FYI

I downloaded all the anti-virus measures recommended by repliers, onto CD at work (as I couldn't get at them on my home pc, as one of the symptoms), installed on my home pc, and ran everything. ie i threw at it everything I had, incl overnight scans, rescans, etc.

Anyway, somewhere along the line the patient showed signs of recovery. After a weekend of scan-minding I finally got AVG to update! Then Windows defender!
Last left was email protection on AVG wasn't enabled. A further AVG update and that was cured. Reboot of the pc (38 Windows updates came through!) and long wait and at last it all seems to be back to health.

Unfortunately last thing was I couldn't get any internet access (after having had it all day) but by that time was too tired and it too late so I thought I'd leave that and see if it's a glitch that will be OK next time on.

So it looks like I don't need a reformat (touch wood).

Thanks again for the interest, suggestions and guidance.

Terry