Actually as it turned out Simsample you were correct about shutting down processes. I have never had that issue in the past with AL but since then my AV & Firewall have upgraded before I installed M&G so I guess they don't make nice with The Sims. Maybe the programs see Eaxis as an intruder.
Guess no websurfing while playing for me. Thanks for that tip. I also broke out the ol' can of compressed air (thanks for the reminder Witch.) for good measure.