Cannot access one website?

[opticalmace]

Hi there, I'm trying to access the site Craig's List.

I am connected to the net via a router, which my dad is also on. On his computer, I can access the site no problem.

(I'm running XP Pro)

No matter the browser, it will never load the site. I tried checking my HOSTS file and there was nothing listed except some localhost address?

I used to be able to access it 2+ weeks ago, but then my internet started acting funny. I've reformatted since then and run lotsa anti-virus/anti-spyware stuff but no luck.

Any suggestions at all? Thanks.

 

[Atheus]

You have fully reinstalled the OS because of this problem, and it still doesn't work? If that's not what you mean I would suggest running 'ipconfig /flushdns' from the command line. If you really have reinstalled, then it's either your PC hardware, the router, or the cable. Try rebooting the router for a start.

 

[opticalmace]

I also cannot access two other websites... universalcycles.com and coastcapitalsavings.com.

Yes, I reinstalled the OS.

I've tried the flushdns thing with no luck. Rebooted the router with no luck. Could be the cable I guess, but how could a cable specifically prevent me from accessing 3 websites in particular? In fact, how could any hardware prevent me from accessing those specific sites?

I just can't figure out what the problem is. :S

(If it matters, my internet has also been rather unstable the last 2 weeks. On/off all the time. MSN connects and reconnects frequently. This does not happen to my dad or my mom. Just on my computer.)

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: opticalmace
Could be the cable I guess, but how could a cable specifically prevent me from accessing 3 websites in particular? In fact, how could any hardware prevent me from accessing those specific sites?

Yea, but since you reinstalled windows, you pretty much eliminated software didn't you? So now we have eliminated both hardware and software... what's left? Gremlins?

Seriously though, I see three possibilities:

1 - You have installed some programs or done something, after the OS reinstall, but before retesting the connectivity. Firewalls, especially crap ones like nVidia firewall, seem the most likely culprit.

2 - It is the router or some other bit of network hardware.

3 - You have some kind of advanced virus which can survive a reformat.

 

[opticalmace]

I only have Zone Alarm running... you are right, I didn't think to check those sites immediately after reformatting. Also of note is that I only formatted one drive. I have some storage ones which I have not touched, but I have thoroughly virus-scanned them with nothing popping up.

I browsed Zone Alarm to try to find something indicating block sites or whatnot, but could not find anything.

What would you suggest I do then? Reformat and try to access those sites immediately? I could also disconnect the other drives so in case there in some amazing virus lurking there it can't access Windows.

 

[WiseOldDude]

Shutdown Zonealarm, and I bet it works.

Zonealarm used to be a great firewall, but it is like having a nun and a preacher and your mother looking over your shoulder.

 

[opticalmace]

^ tried that also. No luck.

There's no way it could be a hardware problem, right? I'm going to reformat again tonight to see if that helps. However my Windows partition is on a drive with two other partitions--which I will not be deleting. So if there's some sort of virus there, this isn't going to help.

If anyone has anymore input you will receive good karma!

 

[opticalmace]

When I reformatted, I realized nVidia asks if you want to install their own firewall during motherboard driver install. I'm 99% sure this was the problem. I obviously declined.

I can now access all of my usual websites.

Thanks for any/all help. Maybe this will be of use to someone down the line.