The launcher looking for available updates SWTOR

Then says checking for update - then after a lengthy wait  I get the message = Launcher error: Code 961 - WebGet_Error_Timeout. I have followed the advice here except uninstalling and reinstalling (steps 1 to 3 I have done)

https://forums.swtor.com/topic/929345-launcher-infinitely-selfrestarting/page/2/#comment-9757767 

There must be another way as uninstalling and redownloading is painful with my slow broadband ....

Thank you

Lee