Is it possible that I set Avast4 to block access to the IE Tools/Internet Options?
I have tried to get this unblocked by uninstalling Avast and reinstalling, as I seem to recall that it was one of 3 recommended options when I first installed. I am not sure however.
In any case I have been unable to get back access to this facility and get an error message to the effect that it is blocked. Uninstalling/Reinstalling did not help me.
Thanks in advance iain
Hi and welcome to avast,
If avast has such a feature, it sure slipped right past me. 
It sounds more like some kind of anti-spyware you’re also using, or possibly even some spyware or other malware itself has gotten into your system.
What other security programs are you running? I’d suggest they’d be the first place to look, both for their own settings and also to check whether you’ve maybe picked up a “friend” you don’t want.
Best,
Mike
Like Mike said, I think not. Anyway, Spyware Blaster has this feature 8)
Other browsers can do the same (for instance, MyIE2)
Yes thanks. You are both totally correct. I looked harder into Spyware Blaster - I had to look pretty hard - and found the answer.
many thanks for the replies 8)