Browsers not working since update to win 8.1

[myreality]

So a new issue has begun where my browsers keep crashing or become unable to access a website.
This all began when I updated to windows 8.1. I did some research and tried done of the tactics people are claiming to work but alas nothing works.

I know Its a software issue from the update but it is my laptop and currently need it for final paper since we use canvas. So the faster the better.

So I seek your guidance on the matter. HP laptop, Intel, windows 8.1

[orinthia]

What browsers? Tried chrome, firefox, opera (not presto), IE (desktop and app)? Browser in question up to date? What exactly have you tried?

I have a machine with 8.1 update 1, and have those browsers I listed above installed and can use them fine.

[SephYuyX]

Unistall/Reinstall browsers.

[Loshiniloi]

I'm using Windows 8.1 and my Google Chrome, Comodo Icedragon and Mozilla Firefox work perfectly

[myreality]

Mozilla and chrome are unable to connect despite having internet signal.

Everything is up to date.

Tried the reinstall

Checked firewalls.

Same problem with public and private Wi-Fi. And direct connect.

Tried network reset from command prompt.

[orinthia]

Could try making a new profile for firefox, maybe something borked.

Make a copy of your firefox shortcut and put this in the target's box under the shortcut tab:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe" -p -no-remote
assuming you installed it to C, otherwise change it to where you installed firefox.

This will bring up a prompt to create, use, or delete a profile. Make a new one and see if it's still borked. Could be plugin or custom settings related, and uninstalling/reinstalling doesn't mess with profiles where those settings reside.

Chrome, I'm not sure. There's probably a similar function for profiling but I haven't messed with it. Though it's a bit more unlikely you can really screw it up like that...

Does anything have network access? Can you see network shares in explorer (in network, not homegroup, assuming you're sharing folders on other pcs in your home network anyway)? Does IE work? Steam's browser (anything else with a browser)? Is the IP connectivity being reported as "Internet" or something with "Limited" in it (forget the exact wording it uses)?

[Niya]

For firefox, start the exe with the -p switch to launch profile manager, create a new profile and see if it still crashes. Maybe your profile just got screwed up with the update.

€dit: dang it, orin was faster xD

[myreality]

Thanks guys I will attempt this first thing in the morning.

[myreality]

EUREKA! I can now get back on. You his seem to have hit the nail on the head.

[orinthia]

What worked?!

[myreality]

I can now browse Firefox after doing what you told me. Redownloaded chrome which worked then redownloaded firefox. Everything seems to be going smoothly so far.

[orinthia]

Weird, awesome it worked, but weird it did. I went through the whole 8, 8.1, 8.1 u1 transitions and didn't have to reinstall anything.

Using that shortcut you can go back and get your old bookmarks and password saves if you didn't already dump them out. You'll still need to redownload your plugins and redo any other customizations since the new profile is like installing firefox for the very first time.