Boards and libraries fail to load/update

[futtpj]

System Details
Windows 11 Home 64-bit,
Intel Core i9-12900K, 32GB mem
Mother board MAG Z690 TOMAHAWK WIFI
Firewall and Virus software latest and up-to-date Kaspersky

The following example is an attempt to load an RTC library

Downloading [email protected]
Failed to install the library: microDS3231:2.7.0.
Error: 13 INTERNAL: Can't download library: Get "https://downloads.arduino.cc/libraries/github.com/GyverLibs/microDS3231-2.7.0.zip": proxyconnect tcp: dial tcp: lookup _: no such host

And loading board (all/any boards do the same thing)

Downloading packages
Failed to install platform: littleBits:avr.
Error: 13 INTERNAL: Error downloading tool arduino:[email protected]: Get "http://downloads.arduino.cc/tools/avr-gcc-4.8.1-arduino5-i686-mingw32.zip": proxyconnect tcp: dial tcp: lookup _: no such host

The following has been tried

1. tried both 1.8 and 2 IDE both installed as admin.
2. Virus checking and firewall turned off - really didn't want to do that - but just to do install
3. Uninstalled IDE and restarted PC, cleaned registry (CCleaner), and restarted again.
4. Reinstalled 2.0 IDE. then turned off the firewall and attempted library updates and board updates.

Never had problems with Arduino IDE for years. Even used it connected to Visual studio with no problems.

Any ideas/ suggestions

[sterretje]

You can try the solution/instructions in NEWBIE Unknown proxy host blocking the install of libraries - #4 by ptillisch by @ptillisch.

Make a backup of the file that you modify, just in case.

[futtpj]

Backed up the file containing the content below.

network:
proxy: http://_/

Deleted "proxy: http://_/" (the whole line including the label)

Now loads Libraries and boards with no error messages.
Before I get too excited, I'll run some proper projects through the IDE just to make sure I've not stuffed up something else.

Really appreciate your help