Google search has stopped. XP Pro.

[#1]

Tried to do a Google search yesterday (and today) and it refused to co-operate.  I enter my search words as usual, the page of sites/links loads just for a second then the page goes blank.  I get a brief note saying "this tab has recovered"  the page loads again for a second then goes blank again followed by a message  "we were unable to return you to google.co.uk".
I am running XP Pro with Avant AV (full paid-up version) and all other functions of PC seem to be working OK
Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

[#2]

which browser are you using
If Internet Explorer try using Firefox for a test
http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/
Edit - link added as if you can't use Google you won't find it

[#3]

Thanks Oldjim, yes should have mentioned that I am using IE 8.  Wil give Firefox a try later, must shut down now as thunder storm is iminent and my routers blow up ten a penny.

[#4]

Virus?  Browser hijack?  Proxy server hijack?