Hello Shawn, Thank you for your prompt and detailed reply.
I have tried all items without success.
Perhaps if I provide a few basic details it may allow you to offer further suggestions please.
1. I pre-ordered Windows 7 Premium and installed it on 'day 1'.
2. I have had very few problems.
3. I have infrequently being advised of messages in Check for solutions and therefore know it used to function correctly.
4. I check the 'View Reliability History' occasionally and usually find I'm running at '10'. However some weeks ago I discovered that my rating had reduced due to reason being stated 'Windows not closed down correctly'. I always close down in the same way - namely close all programs before clicking 'Shut Down' and therefore find this intermittent statement somewhat puzzling.(The incorrect Close Down appears at random intervals)
5. Having discovered the above I then attempted to use the 'Check for Solutions' (Which I have used before) only to find it wouldn't open. I then went into settings and this is where I came in with the query - namely it is all greyed-out - inactive.
6. I am the sole user of the computer, I am not on a network and I have just the one User a/c of Administrator and I therefore assume I am always logged on as Administrator?
7. Nevertheless when trying your suggestions and failing to gain access I created a Standard User a/c so that when I log on I select the Admin a/c to see if that made any difference - unfortunately not.
8. Finally I run Avast/Super Anti Spyware/Malwarebytes frequently with no problems reported.
I think I've covered everything and I hope that allows you to offer further remedial suggestions.
Thank you,
Norman.