yes i see other similar topics, yes i read them, yes i tried what they suggest

launcher wont connect, seems to not be finding an internet connection? i say seems because there is no error message at all, it just goes into 1st stage of connection and fails then goes to retry, fails, repeat...
only thing of note is that the "news box" is in plain text w/ white background or alternately shows a no website found type page

obviously i am online, i checked firewall, all required programs are selected

any other suggestions?

thanks