While machining the x axis freaked out and kept going in the same direction. When I stopped the machine I tried moving the table and the x axis would only go in one direction whether I pressed the right or left arrow. This happened 2 years ago and vanished when I updated the software. The problem has  reappeared again.
Is it a Mach3 problem or controller problem or a Microsoft problem ? Or none of the above?
Mach3 currently has version R3.043.067

Most like you have a problem with your stepper cable. If only one coil in the stepper motor is getting power the motor will spin only one direction and/or randomly change directions each time you try to move it. You should also check that your direction signal is changing when you change the motor direction.