jimbo50

Many thanks Guest and Gary for replies,

Guest, I did a full un-install from add/remove programmes and then I used the cleanup tool to clear any dross followed by a clean new install.

Gary, true I have'nt used Norton on Vista for 8 years but up to the point in question no great problems, I also have it installed on my laptop and all OK (so far).

I know of the freebie AV's out there, Avast and AVG and I will more than likely go that route if all else fails.

I will look into Windows Live Mail also but I feel before that I would like to know what is causing the problem. I could do all of the above and still have the problem.

This problem was created by a Tech Guy trying to diagnose a hardware problem by phone, taking the easiest route,"do a restore and that should clear it", and then followed up by a tech visit. Initial hardware problem cleared but then I have to reinstall all my programmes all over.