I always try and fix these myself, but after using all the options, it seems unless I reload it from scratch or go into code levels which I'm not able to do, I'll hand it over to the experts.

I can't write new emails unless I open the whole programme to read mail.
If I click 'new message' the message part to write in won't open. Everything else- to, from, subject are normal, but the HTML buttons don't show in contrast as they won't open for use.
If I click 'read mail' and open it from the large button it's fine, which is why I delayed trying to fix it. But waiting for the whole lot to open rather than getting a quick drop down new message page has finally become too annoying, and as nothing I do will make it open the page, it's like trying to edit a post here without opening it, ie impossible.

I hope this is a simple 'pressed wrong option button' but the word 'virus' and 'reload software' also seem to ring true. Familiar problem or unique to satguru? At least I'd get a disease named after me!

Have you tried the the repair IE/Outlook Express procedure as described here?

I don't think you have a new strain of the Satguru virus although it's always worth scanning your entire hard drive with an up to date virus program from time to time. Since you are having trouble with Norton updates at present you could consider using an online service such as this one.

Lack of a recovery disk (blame my retailer) made that route impossible, he said to reload the program. I borrowed a disk, guess what, it was the wrong one...
£41 later I now have working software but no documents. Four years worth formatted (ie lost forever) though most were no longer needed anyway, and I hope the one I did need was printed out like most of the others.
But Outlook Express is now fine...