thanks 10clarion - unfortunately I am not techie savvy so don't know how to do system restore even being on this site - it is taking ages to reply as well here.
Try the f8 button when booting up, Jenny - sorted out a lot of the problems people were having with AB when it changed.
In the past, I've done a full system restore using the f11 button (I'm on Vista)
Just wanted to let you know that after a week of trouble with this computer - today it automatically switched off and on and started to update itself resulting in my being able to access all sites easily.
What have I done before this - arranged for a computer guy to come and "fix" it on Wednesday morning. Will have to contact him again to cancel.