Thanks for your reply, UT.
I've managed to close down the Firefox home page but clicking on the AVG icon does not bear fruit. I've also tried right clicking and then the 'Open' option but the beast remains inert.
Interesting that you should mention possible hardware failure in progress.
The machine is now some years old. It was a barebones system to which I added drives (various) and also RAM, if memory serves correctly, so to speak.
I installed Win 7 then the free update to Win 10 and it has soldiered on pretty much uncomplainingly.
I do wonder if it is on its way out though.
Not sure that I want to shell out for a replacement!
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