I have no idea whether we can help, but we do have a general article for when no browsers can access the internet: Firefox and other browsers can't load websites. Anything useful there?

Type about:preferences#advanced<Enter> in the address bar.

Under Advanced, Select Network. Look for Configure How Firefox Connects and press the Settings button. If you are using a proxy, make sure those settings are correct. If there is no proxy, first use No Proxy. If there is a problem, then try System Proxy.

Some problems occurs when your Internet security program was set to trust the previous version of Firefox, but no longer recognizes your updated version as trusted. Now how to fix the problem: To allow Firefox to connect to the Internet again;

• Make sure your Internet security software is up-to-date (i.e. you are running the latest version).
• Remove Firefox from your program's list of trusted or recognized programs. For detailed instructions, see

Configure firewalls so that Firefox can access the Internet. {web link}

OK, I need clarification...you want me to enter about:preferences#advanced<Enter> in the address bar?? What address bar? Firefox? Windows explorer?

Here's something else that has thrown me for a loop - I can get email downloaded to my pc client (I use incredimail) - which means my computer can go on the internet to get my email and I can answer those emails but browsers can't open webpages and I can not reinstall Firefox because it gets part of the files needed for the install online while in the process...if that makes sense.

This is crazy!! I have never had a problem like this in all my years on computers.

Full installers are available here: https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ (scroll down to your preferred language)

Fred meant Firefox's address bar. That's the same as using:

"3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Options > Advanced > "Settings" button