Computer Problem

[Labyrinthos]

For the last three weeks, I have had difficulty accessing Free Republic from my office desktop computer. Although I can connect at times, more often than not, I get the the "Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage," error message. I do not have a problem connecting with other websites

I am running Win XP/SP 3. I know my employer has not blocked access, because I own the business. I am also able to access Free Republic using other PC's on the office network, including my notebook PC. I have tried just about everything that I can think of including system restore; disabling firewalls, Spybot S & D, Adware, and Windows Defender; uninstalling Norton Internet Security 2009 (using the Norton Removal Tool and two different registry cleaners); clearing cookies, history, temporary internet files, and other cache files.

The only thing left that I can think of is that I have disabled many of the worthless "services" that run in the background and slow the system to a crawl and sometimes I kill one too many. However, I am unaware of any particular service that would effect access to s single website, as opposed to the Interet in general.

Any ideas?

[LiberConservative]

I built the machine I currently use. I'm running Vista. I've never had a problem logging on to FR. There is no conspiracy keeping you off FR. Something else is going on with your system.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Nothing wrong with Windows except for their Vista. Windows XP Professional works fine for me.

[PAR35]

Get real, please.

It's actually fairly easy to test.

1-Set your computer to boot first from the CD drive. Unless you have a bootable CD in the drive, it isn't going to do anything to your system.

Go to Distrowatch, and download the ISO for a bootable Linux (Ubuntu, if you want a full featured one with lots of bells and whistles, something like Puppy if you want a small one that's quick, but fairly lean in features).

3 - Burn the ISO to a CD (don't copy, just burn the image, usually by clicking on it).

4 - Make sure that the computer is plugged into an ethernet cable and the new cd is in the drive.

5- reboot

Run the connection wizard, if necessary

6 - open the browser (Firefox or SeaMonkey)

7 - Test the connection by going to CNN

Try going to FR.

[KoRn]

Are the DNS settings the same on the problem computer as the other computers.

You should also clear out your cookies, temp internet files, and browsing history. That sometimes cures 'twilight zone' issues with IE.

You should also give Firefox a try.

[Cindy]

Hmmm...Well, this isn’t a thrill, but maybe a reinstall might be the ticket.
Maybe geeks can provide a better answer than this.

[Robert DeLong]

I use satellite service cause I live in the country, can I use the Open DNS?

[jwalsh07]

I’m dabbling in Linux these days. Any idea where I can get a driver for a Lexmark wireless printer?

[relictele]

Sorry but you have entered the land of Linux reality.

Open source is grrrrreeeeaaat! they say. Until you need a driver.

The Slashdot types would tell you to write it yourself. Rude but it’s really the only option unless the OEM supplies one.

[ConservativeMind]

That won’t be a problem. Any DNS you use outside of DNS caching in your router or computer will need to go out over the long travel time to come back. OpenDNS is a more reliable DNS option, but for satellite service, you may not notice a speed increase.

[AFreeBird]

See if your employer will allow you to install a decent browser such as Firefox, and junk the Internet Exploder.

Also, when was the last time you ran a virus scan?

[AFreeBird]

If it's not available in Gutenprint (check you package manger to see if it's installed), check out TurboPrint.

TurboPrint helped me out with a Canon MX850, which in Canon's infinite stupidity, wrote proprietary communication protocols for. I've never been so *issed. Been a Canon customer for decades.

[mkjessup]

Get real
Exactly my point. No need to put up with Microsoft BS.

There really isn't any need to put up with an iSnob* and their kneejerk posts about "get a Mac, get Linux, get rid of Microsoft" on each and every tech question there is. It would not surprise me that if the original poster had asked for help due to a questionable power cable, you would be right there saying "get a Mac, go Linux, it's a Microsoft problem".

The guy has a browser issue. And there is more than one browser available (example Firefox, which I use myself).

Give it a rest.

[* w/full credit to Freeper 'kdot' and an LOL]

[mkjessup]

I don’t need to test a thing. I have no problem with XP and I’ve already played with the various flavors of Linux, and nobody has been able to demonstrate to me why I should ‘change’.

Funny, how the 0bamunists and their ‘change’ mantra sound suspiciously like Linux fanatics, lol

[mkjessup]

See if your employer will allow you to install a decent browser such as Firefox, and junk the Internet Exploder.
Also, when was the last time you ran a virus scan?

Wrong poster. ;)

[Zuben Elgenubi]

So, what was your workaround? Were you successful?

FReegards,
Z

[woollyone]

iSnob

*snort*

i like it!

[AppyPappy]

Are you there?

[AFreeBird]

Well how the heck did that happen?

[laotzu]

...easily remedied by moving to Linux or Mac

If, instead, he drove a Pontiac, this wouldn't be a problem.

Aren't we both so very clever?

[vigilante2]

Try using a different browser such as Firefox or SeaMonkey..IE is a piece of junk!