SubscribeCannot Connect to Certain Web Sites
Posted on Nov 18, 2007 under Windows Tips |If you can’t connect to certain web sites, there could be several reasons why.
Symptom: In Firefox you get “Firefox can’t establish a connection to the server at website” or in Internet Explorer you get “Page cannot be displayed” error.
This article assumes you have troubleshot the basics such as the URL is typed correctly, cache files have been cleared and you have a working internet connection. The following may be to blame:
1. Spyware may have modified your HOSTS file.
To check it, go to START–>RUN:
Windows XP and Windows 2000 users type:
C:\windows\system32\drivers\etc
Windows 98 and Windows ME users type:
%WINDIR%
Open the file called HOSTS using NOTEPAD or WORDPAD.
Each entry will look something like the following:
0 pagead.googlesyndication.com
0.0.0.0 ad.doubleclick.net
Entries like this will block access to these sites. Look for entries like this referring to any web site you may not be able to access and delete them.
Note: For most users this file is blank. Unless you have any type of special configuration for systems on your network, the HOSTS file isn’t normally used. It is most likely safe to remove all entries from this file.
You can find more information about HOSTS files here.
2. Firewall software is blocking access.
Disable your firewall. The following links may help.
How to disable Norton Internet Security
Enable/Disable Windows Firewall
Other Firewalls
If that doesn’t work, uninstall the firewall software.
Firewall software can block your connections even if it is disabled.
3. Problems with sites that use SSL
If the problem is only with sites that require a secure or SSL connection, you might want to troubleshoot the browsers ability to connect using SSL. If you can’t view this website, SSL problems are likely to blame.
For Firefox read this article.
For Internet Explorer read this article.
If you have a firewall, make sure that it allows communication over port 443. Consult your firewall documentation or system administrator if you do not know how to check for this.
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