OP might have an application icon in C:\Program Files\MSE (?)\...that might open the program?

Good news at last. I contacted Microsoft. They sent me a plan of action, and half way down the program (Microsoft security essentials) responded and started to work (fingered crossed). I have no idea what caused the problem, I have not installed any programs lately, so it must be a result of browsing.

Might have been that an update was corrupted - I've had that with AV applications. With some AV software one can roll back to a previous update and then the program will fully respond but that is, of course, dependent upon being able to actually open the program and perform the roll back.

Glad you have got it sorted

Edited by 4M2 (Mon 10-Sep-12 16:12:36)

Was the plan confidential? can you post it here do you think (or PM me?) Sounds useful stuff to have..

Post deleted by Kaytfoh