I have 2 computers - one Windows 7 and one running Vista.  This morning (9/26/2012) after an Auomatic Critical Update for Windows, both computers ran fine until I opened Windows Live Messenger.  When WLM opened virtually all computer resources are taken up by the program on both computers (confirmed through Task Manager - Resources).

I ran two different virus programs and a spyware program with no issues reported.  I performed a System Restore on the Windows 7 computer but it had no effect.

I can access my email with no problems through Hotmail.

Any ideas what is going on?