Hi there
I appreciate the suggestion - thanks -- but :
I was trying to avoid doing a clean install --it's getting too much of a pain to re-install everything again especially some older apps which might have all sorts of issues with the latest Windows security updates etc.
While I think we all agree (or should agree) that securirty of the OS is important it's getting (IMHO at least) far too rediculous and making Windows become more and more unuseable for "ordinary - not tech savvy" users. These days it's excessive use of social media where data is given out freely and bog standard scamming is far mor likely to be a problem - at least for domestic users rather than corporate / SME customers.
I mention this here since some of the older apps and hardware have drivers that aren't "digitally signed" to the latest Windows standards - and it was possible to relatively simply install them previously - no funny get arounds but was on the Microsoft site on how to do it this just gets far too complex now with the latest version of Windows.
I'm beginning to wish I'd stayed with W10 !!!! . I don't keep any significant data on my machines that would be of interest to potential hackers - I store it all off line, Online banking (if I need it) I do by phone, and any critical / work related documents etc I store off line or on a professional reliable cloud server.
This whole secure boot and certificate expiry thing is another issue -- as a bog standard user who wants all that rubbish -- I'm not working for the CIA, NSA, Mossad, Deuxieme bureau etc etc.
cheers
jimbo