Hi Scampydog,
I have managed to rectify part of the problem by doing a System Restore I can now use my AOL Email address to send Emails but not my Server address which is one that you have probably never heard of as its a local one,its called uwclub.net the uw is for Utility Warehouse I have it for over a year and never had a problem with it I also get my telephone included with no charge from BT, and if I get problem they have a IT manager that will call to repair if necassary or give help on line,He is also the agent and a friend at my local.
Back to your first question No, I do not get a error message having said that I seem to remember once a message mentioning "block sender" I tried to to find where this option is but can not remember how,
For your last Question yes this did start when trying to install Anti virus/Spam (Ashampoo that I bought)and got conflicts with while trying to get help from Ashampoo was when I found that My Emails were not being Sent so as i said at the moment i am relying on the XP firewall but I still get spam.
Many thanks for your interest.
Cheers