ok so I use windows 10 and tried logging in on Edge but I could not post this response or get to dropdown menus for my profile or anything else

so then I tried IE, and it works now but I don't see the images for notifications or private messages on the frontpage

I didnt' have these problems before the https business! nd now I can't use emoticons?!

chacheng, this is interesting.  I'm posting this response using IE 11 on Windows 7, and I'm not experiencing any of the image issues you're describing.  In fact, IE here is working pretty much like the other browsers.

Given your comments I would suggest using something other than Microsoft browsers to use the site (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Vivaldi).  I've never seen any issues with those browsers.  Microsoft, on the other hand, has a longstanding tradition of trying to conceive the Internet in its own image, which differs from pretty much the rest of the world.

Just as a followup: I'm logged in to the site using IE 11 on a Windows 8.1 laptop and have no difficulties viewing icons or dropdown menus.  Maybe it's a Windows 10 thing?

Personally, I wouldn't bother with either IE or Microsoft Edge.  Microsoft seems to think that their browsers are the best because they're packaged with Windows but everyone else has just left them behind.

@stimmung79 I couldn't agree more...the only thing worse than Microsoft's browsers is their <ahem> "technical support," which has never once helped me when I've been bashing my head against the wall wondering "why is this happening?"

Every single Windows related problem I've had I've Google-solved.

Hey, if securing the site means less chances of people seeing logins I'm all for it..good on ya