both in Chrome and Internet Explorer.  I tried disabling IPv6 on the connection with no change.  Search for NIC drivers reports driver is up-to date. 

This began after updates from 5/17 and 6/14.  No informative information from windows troubleshooting.

Hi,

I suggest to logon with Safe Mode with networking to see if the same issue occurs.

Also update BIOS and Chipset for your machine.

Hi,

I suggest to logon with Safe Mode with networking to see if the same issue occurs.

Also update BIOS and Chipset for your machine.

Do not attempt to update your BIOS; that  is bad advice from Mr. Huang.

These guys  also always suggest Safe Mode but they never say what is the next step; it is their stock answer and useless.

Check your modem light(s) to make sure your internet connection is present when connectivity drops; if the lights go out, then it is your ISP not your PC that causes the problem.

You can use System Restore to go back to a date prior to the 5/17 updates. This often fixes the problems.

Hello Laurie Malone!

         I understand you are having connectivity issues- I believe I can assist you in this area. First off, did you perform an 'in-place' installation or a 'bare metal' installation. If you performed a bare metal installation, this means you performed a clean install and your system is most likely missing essential drivers and necessary versions of the .Net Framework. First step, go to your computer manufacturers site and choose your specific model; once you have done this, download all of the drivers that are intended for your model PC and install them- specifically all (LAN, WiFi, etc.) network drivers. Secondly, go to MSDN site and download .Net Framework versions 4.0 and 4.5 to ensure you have the proper framework to provide sustainability. You can enable version 3.5 .Net Framework through an option in Windows 8, here's how:

Step 1: On Windows 8 launch the Start Screen and search for uninstall under the settings tab. Click on the result Uninstall a program to open the Program and Features settings.

Step 2: In Programs and Features window click on Turn Windows feature on or off  located on the left sidebar.

Step 3: On the Windows Features popup window, expand .Net Framework 3.5 and put a check against both the included options.

Step 4: Click the OK button and confirm the changes. Windows will connect to the internet and download the required files from the web. The download may take some time depending upon the speed of your connection.

After the download is complete, restart your computer to complete the update process. You can now install applications that require .Net framework 3.5 to work on Windows 8.

http://www.guidingtech.com/12331/enable-net-framework-3-5-windows-8/

Thank you Sirkeen75, I will try this in a few days.  Am leaving town now.  But a question:  After downloading .net 4 and 4.5,  will they appear as does 3.5 in step 3?  So I will enable them all?

The answer to your first question re: installation is I didn't install it, I bought the computer with Win 8 already on it.

I will create a system restore point before performing this procedure.

Windows features already shows 4.5 though.  Do you want a screenshot? 

The 3.5 didn't have check marks, though, so I added them.

Thanks for your help!!

Hello Again Laurie!

          If this PC was purchased with Windows 8 already installed, then you shouldn't have the issue of drivers being overridden; however, it is a safe bet to still re-install drivers from your PC manufacturer's site. You should have a program that came with your PC upon purchase, such as a "System Care and Maintenance program" that you can launch to allow it to analyze your system and discover any issue your system is experiencing, and correct it. As for the .Net Framework, Windows 8 does initially come with version 4.5- but you can install 4.0 after you install 3.5 to ensure a stable network connectivity experience. Don't forget to always check for updates and install them regularly to provide a more smooth and seamless experience with your Operating experience. Also, have you recently updated your system to the Windows 8.1 Pro Preview? Reason being, if this was not done properly it could lead to these types of complications; in access to others as well. Have a great trip and stay on the look out for Windows 8.1 Pro RTM update- its just around the corner! >_<  &nb

Well this page isn't loading right; I hope I'm typing in the right place . . .

msdn wants 699.00 for a subscription before I can get .net Framework 4.0.  I now show 3.5 and 4.5, but not 4.0.

Meanwhile, problem persists.

had to reload the page before the reply button would work.  No, the latest system restore point prior to the updates was from when I ran a backup in April.  I would have had to research whether I could restore the system without overwriting other files.  And I have installed some mapping software for my husband since then, so was apprehensive about losing that.  Could reinstall if necessary, but not a good time, as he is actively using them at this time. 

Right now, the HP support system is downloading and installing three network controller driver updates.  Why there would be three, and if I really need them all, or just the newest one, I don't know, so I'm just letting it do what it 'wants'.  Maybe they will help.  Maybe HP has gotten some calls(?)

You sure have been helpful!  I really appreciate it. 

Hi Lauri!

       Glad to be of service and happy to hear you're getting it all ironed out. Remember to always make an image of your system every time you install some vital software- every time. You can replace the old image with the newer one, but always do this so that you won't be starting all the way over from scratch. I think re-installing the mapping software is actually not a bad idea considering, you will have a better running system. Also, zip all the drivers for your PC into a zip file and save it on an external HDD so that they will be available later if you need to re-install them. Again, glad to hear your success and good luck in the future exploring and maintaining your Windows 8 system- as always, if I can be of assistance don't be afraid to ask... don't forget to vote if you find these tips helpful.

Well I haven't seen results yet from the network controller driver updates, as I installed one right before going to bed, and there are two more.  I was going to test after each one.  

Where do I find the driver files to zip and back them up? 

Still have not been able to install .net 4.0.  Any ideas on that?  I'm at work now, but will test connectivity again this evening.

T