My thanks for all the advice / replies....
Everything returned to normal last night....and I got a reply to the email I sent so thus far thus good. However, when I came to reply a few mins ago I again got the "confirm identity" box....and this time I noted that my log in name and address had a bit added on the end...removed that and the mail went...I think.
The problems with Avast! began soon after they upgraded to a new version. Now, I simply get a green caption box suggesting I install the new version instead of the blue box and dulcet "all American" voice advising as to the completion of the latest upgrade.
I don't know it there is any relevance here, but I also run Spybot immediately after Avast! and wonder if this could also have a bearing on matters?.