I have run into the same problem with the launcher after it was updated on 19 March. It now just sits there attempting to "update the launcher" and "Tried connecting". I had no problems until the launcher was updated to version 2010.3.19.1504 (according to Windows properties). :mad:
Standard things to check.
Some firewall and anti-virus programs (zone alarm most noted ofr this) reflag patch programs as new when they are patched and you have to reauthorized them again to allow net access. (windows defender also does this on an defender update)
als check your I.E. browser is not set to work offline.
Not quite sure how this resolved this, but my anti-virus program (Norton 360) apprarently had crashed. Had to download the next version and, during the install, restart my computer to complete the install. Once Norton 360 was restarted, the STO launcher program worked the way it had in the past. I am now able to get into Star Trek Online almost immediately.:)
Comments
Some firewall and anti-virus programs (zone alarm most noted ofr this) reflag patch programs as new when they are patched and you have to reauthorized them again to allow net access. (windows defender also does this on an defender update)
als check your I.E. browser is not set to work offline.
No joy even with anti virus off and IE is all ok............