Cheers for that Mickjapa108,

I run AVG, Spybot and Adaware on a regular basis but am flamboozled at the sudden change that has occurred with my 'puter.

I've tried system restores (to no avail) and find they won't go back any further than this month. The dates I've chosen have had no effect.

To make matters worse, my pages are loading that slowly, I might as well go do my weekly grocery shopping while waiting ...so much for high speed dsl!

I can't even get on to my Uni website and I have exams next week!!!

Frustration reigns supreme!!!

Am going to try the AVG Anti Spyware and ccleaner now. Thanks for replying