Hi Geekgirl:
Ran sfc as you suggested and things seem to be back to normal as I gained access to a secure site. I have also brought Zone Alarm Pro back on and it does not appear to be interfering with anything (yet)!
Thanks for your help and I think this is as far as i need to go with this thread.
I also visited the microsoft site and got through to the download page without the message "HTTP 403 (Forbidden) Microsoft IE" appearing on my screen.
I am very impressed with the support I have got from the team at TSF since I joined.
Thanks again and Best regards
Victor Poots
