Thanks, that worked, inasmuch as I got my blank screen, but it made no difference to the time.
One thing, cutting all the non-MS stuff on boot, Kaspersky simply re-ticks its own box as the Apply button is pressed. Also, Pausing it, does blank out the K on the bottom bar (right of the task bar) but I have a gut feeling it's itching to get back to work and thus doing something. Determined little
For a few moments it started loading in about 3 seconds. But then back to the full six when no doubt, something else had reinstated itself. Three would be fine - so a ray of hope.
I'll look at Add-ons later today.
Must do some chores, but back later. Thanks again, mixture.