This is my present state of affairs. I forgot to mention that this problem started after Windows 10 anniversary update. Notice the upper left hand corner indicating that Edge Start page is not responding. I've tried resetting edge by reinstalling it but to no avail. I'm beginning believe that my problem is registry related as I can enter a url and Edge would then load the page; it is just the default Start Page that won't load.
run windows repair portable in safemode with net. after reboot test. if same.. reupgrade with mediacreationtool (progs n files stay same as its upgrade)