Thanks for your advice. i.e.
"Put the following address in the path bar : C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Sky\Sky Go\
Locate the file called d3dcompiler_47.dll and right click it and rename it to d3dcompiler_47.dllold"
I think this advice applies to someone running 32 bit, but I'm running 64 bit on a Windows 7 m/c. Anyway I did try it and it made no difference.
HOWEVER!
I followed this advice taken from: http://helpforum.sky.com/t5/Sky-Go-Apps/New-SKY-GO-app/td-p/2827849/highlight/true/page/2
i.e
"Also make sure you have this installed
http://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB4019990
You need the one called "Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB4019990)"
I also downloaded the latest Windows updates, all 58 of them! the result is that the Sky Go desktop App NOW WORKS! Yippee!
Thanks again