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Thanks Ethel, I downloaded Firefox 3 as suggested, then removed IE8. This left me 'without 'IE. Went to Microsoft IE 7 site via Firefox (Blackle/Google) and redownloaded it- it kept all my favorites etc. which surprised me!. I now have two browsers which will cover if one goes down! It was a bit unnerving but I,ve got there. Many Thanks once again , your a gem!!!
To Vehelpfulguy, Thanks for the info on Beta, I will follow your instuctions and leave these programmes alone in future.It's pity I did not know this earlier, it would have saved me the anguish .