apologies for my sharp reply - i was frantically trying to split coins and found myself impatient with the lack of advice being given to the community. @OmegaStarScream you are correct the concept of bitcoin is if it is on the blockchain then you are certain regardless of software - and reinstalling may well have solved something for a novice user.  My issue at the time was i KNEW how electrum should 'flawlessly' work.....and despite all my attempts it was fighting me tooth and network sync nail.  The community is aware of the lack of clear information and that has caused many new comers to loose coins, have coins frozen, lost hodl splits and i appreciate @OmegaStarScream reply with well documented advice - although it was not the information i needed to solve my particular problem.

for all newbies who encounter issues with electrum Bitcoin wallet no syncing, not connecting to network, or not finding transactions here is a list of troubleshooting tips

1)Tools -> Network -> check 'select server automatically'
      if 'select server automatically' is checked then uncheck and select a server
      repeat process two or three times back and forth between 'automatically' and selecting a server
2)If your issue is similar to above and the transaction is on the blockchain but not syncing to electrum
   Tool -> Load Transaction -> From the blockchain
   you will be prompted to enter the transaction id of the trasaction missing from electrum
These are no garauntees but these solutions will not harm electrum nor your coins and may solve this potential difficult situation