Is there anywhere that we can de-activate the 'Update' option on the computer?
This morning the blasted thing took nearly an hour to be come workable after its initial switch on, due to 'Updates' taking place!!
In XP the route is Start > Settings > Control Panel > Automatic Updates.
The foregoing assumes that it's Windows which is updating, rather than (say) your anti-virus program. If it's such a program you'll need to go into the settings for the relevant program.
Bless you Buenchico - the OS is Vista - had a quick look and it certainly seems to be the answer. Thank you so much - it has saved MOH throwing the computer through the nearest window!!