I seem unable to find the link to direct this reply to John Mckenna so apologies for a new post.
Thank you for your help. I came across a solution when browsing through replies to other queries. On going to tools|Internet Options\Connections|Settings I found a tick in the box saying use a proxy server for this connection. I removed the tick and all the problems seem to have cleared.
I still have windows problem as having downloaded the update for Zone Alarm Pro I cannot instal it. I have started a new query under PC related queries.