Can't connect to a specific web site


  1. Posts : 8
    Win Xp Pro
       #1

    Can't connect to a specific web site


    I have recently experienced a problem on one of my computers. There is a specific web site that I cannot access (www.vistaprint.com). I have a home network (Ethernet wired) and the other 2 computers on that network can access the site.
    On the computer where I have experienced the problem, I have both Firefox and IE8 installed. Neither browser can access the site. I get the following indications:
    Firefox – page opens that advises “Unable to connect” “Firefox can’t establish a connection to the server at www.vistaprint.com
    IE8 – page opens that displays “unable to connect”. When the diagnose connection problem button is clicked the message is “The remote device won’t accept the connection”.
    Since this occurs only on the one computer, I concluded that the problem was related to something on that computer, and since both browsers are unable to connect, it must not be specific to a browser. Specifics about that computer:
    Windows 7 pro without SP1 installed
    Microsoft Firewall and Microsoft Security Essentials are only active security programs used.
    I have checked Internet Options in the Control Panel. Security settings are medium on all except Restricted Sites; Privacy is set at medium with popup blocker enabled; There are no parental controls used; Connections – LAN settings – automatically detect settings with no proxy server; Advanced settings are too numerous to mention at this time.
    Searches I do on problems similar to this advise checking settings in Internet Options.
    At this point I’m “stumped”. An answer or pointing in the direction to finding one would be appreciated.
    George
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,618
    Win7 Home Premium x64 W10Pro&Home
       #2

    try making an exception for the site in the firewall settings...and add it to the trusted sites list in security. Also try using the IE with no add-ons in the accessories folder under system tools, if it connects, then it could be a conflict with an add-on.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 8,608
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit SP1
       #3

    Run a scan with Malwarebytes' Anti-malware |MG| Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.50.1 Download
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 8
    Win Xp Pro
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Thanks for the replies.
    I finally figured out that it was a Hosts file problem.
    Apparently Spybot, that I run occasionally to check for malware, added an entry in my Hosts file that pointed to my local IP address. When I edited and Rem'd out that entry, the DNS server found the proper IP address and accessed the site.
      My Computer


 

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