Why Can't I Open Certain Websites?

[Stangs55]

I seem to remember having this problem in the past on XP...I just don't remember the solution or the cause.

For some reason, I can't connect to paypal's website on my desktop PC in either firefox or ie. I've tried disabling my firewall both locally and on the router as well as putting my desktop in my DMZ--nothing works. However, if I use my laptop to wirelessly connect to paypal through the same router, it connects just fine.

How do I fix this?

Thanks

Vista Ultimate x86

 

[mechBgon]

1) confirm the time & date are correct

2) try repairing the network connection

3) confirm that your HOSTS file hasn't been tampered with


Any good?

 

[Stangs55]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
1) confirm the time & date are correct

2) try repairing the network connection

3) confirm that your HOSTS file hasn't been tampered with


Any good?

1. Confirmed

2. Done

3. dunno what that is or how to confirm it

 

[Stangs55]

3. Did some reading and downloaded HostsXpert. Restored my Hosts file to its original form. Problem fixed

Thanks alot for the help.

I'm curious though, there's an option for making the Hosts file read-only. Good idea/bad idea?

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: Stangs55
3. Did some reading and downloaded HostsXpert. Restored my Hosts file to its original form. Problem fixed

Thanks alot for the help.

I'm curious though, there's an option for making the Hosts file read-only. Good idea/bad idea?

Some applications may need to use the Hosts file.
also, some Ad-blockers will update the Hosts file to redirect the spamming ads to never-never land.

It may be best to leave it writeable, however, make a clean copy of it for reference and every time that you deliberately update the file. Do not destroy the previous backups, just in case.

 

[mechBgon]

What I want to know is what molested your HOSTS file in the first place. Is it something you did yourself, or was it malware-related?

 

[Stangs55]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
What I want to know is what molested your HOSTS file in the first place. Is it something you did yourself, or was it malware-related?

Dunno...I'm actually very cautious about what goes on my PC. The only virus/spyware programs I run are NOD32 and Adblock Plus firefox extension.

 

[WildHorse]

3. Did some reading and downloaded HostsXpert. Restored my Hosts file to its original form. Problem fixed. -Stangs55

Instead of "original config" which is probably very outdated, what you can do is to update your Hosts file with changes that come out to block new junk.

The way to do that that I find helpful is to go to this web site and download their up-to-date Host file . A new revision comes out approx. every 2 weeks.

Just make it a regular routine to get a freshly updated Hosts file approx. twice a month. It seems to help ward off mal-bots and nuisance stuff.

You just unzip the new file into the same folder the old Hosts file is in, right over the top of the old one, then run a little executable which comes with the revised Hosts file. The linked web page clearly shows you where, depending on your OS.

It's long to say in words, but very simple & quick to do.

I'm unfamiliar with your HostsXpert. If it gives you a revised HOSTS file periodically, it's a good idea to get those updates.