404 Error When Starting Launcher

This problem started Monday morning. I've had zero problems with the launcher since launch. Wondering if it could be tied to the little event that's going on? Anyway, I've tried replacing the boot folder with a friends set of files and that didn't work. I've turned off my virus software, re-installed the game, re-installed JAVA, rebooted my router and modem, accessed the URL that the launcher contacts via my browser, updated my chipset & LAN drivers and even uninstalled Firefox.

I did put a ticket in to SE but I know that takes days and even then there could be little hope. Any ideas why the launcher might all of the sudden not be able to contact the required URL to access the game?