Cannot launch Minecraft

I have not used Minecraft for a week or so and on trying to use today I get a new launcher(2.0.760). When I select play I either get 'preparing' which after an hour I gave up on or a 'Minecraft launcher has stopped working' error. In about 15 attempts I was connected once.
I have updated my drivers and tried switching off Kaspersky but no difference. I then downloaded a 'repair' but no difference.
Very frustrating.