A few weeks ago, I began to have problems getting links and buttons to work on varying websites. I've tried the help steps with no success. What gives?

Question

When I go to certain web sites, I cannot get some of their links or buttons to work. For example, I cannot "vote" and see results on MSN's homepage or sign in to my account on Ancestry.com's homepage. Some links work, but others do not. They do not work in IE either. I have tried all of the suggestions concerning plug-ins and extensions that Mozilla Support gives. I run Windows 8.1, have Java up to date as well as JavaScript. I have tried everything to figure out what is going on. Any help would be much appreciated!

Answer 1

Ronmissy2008, this is Davec. I'm sorry to hear about you not being able to access certain links nor use the buttons to vote on issues or articles read.'''''' First of all, I would call your Internet Service Provider and have them check your router''''''. There is a possibility that it may need a firmware update, since you have upgraded to Windows 8.1. '''''Firmware''' is embedded software that implements network and security protocols for that specific model of hardware device.'' Most wired and wireless routers are designed to perform a firmware upgrade process. The manufacturer will be able to provide enhancements to your router. When I first got AT&T U-verse, my router upgraded its firmware which took about a few minutes to perform. Click on the link for more information about firmware upgrades:
(http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wifihomenetworking/qt/firmwareupgrade.htm)
If your Service provider is done with the router's firmware upgrade, then try updating your Windows 8.1 software.
1.) '''Open Windows Update by swiping in from the right edge of the screen '''(or, if you're using a mouse, pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen and moving the mouse pointer up), '''tapping or clicking Settings''',''' tapping or clicking Change PC settings, and then tapping or clicking Update and recovery'''.
2.) Tap or click Choose how updates get installed.
3.) Under Important updates, choose the option that you want.
4.) Under Recommended updates, select the Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates check box, and then click Apply.
(http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/windows-update-faq)
This is all I could think of for right now. Definitely call your Internet Service Provider and let them know you have upgraded to Windows 8.1 and that your router needs to be checked. Also, have them upgrade the firmware if needed. Then run Windows update. I'm going to perform more research into this matter. Let me know what results you receive after performing the firmware upgrade and the windows update.