Need help getting into a forum I have used for the past 2 yrs

[earguijo]

Hello, I've been trying to use this forum site: http://mychildlossgrief.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php

for the past two weeks and I cannot access it.  I can get the main page, but not the forum which I desperately need.   I keep getting 'Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage '
 I can access it from work and other computers outside my home.  I was told that it could possibly be a anti virus update that is causing the problem.  Unfortunately my internet provider is of no help.  Can you assist?  I have Avast 4.8 home version, Windows XP, DSL with a 2 sire Gateway modem...wireless laptop.  Dell Inspiron 1550.  Not sure how to get the LAN settings.  Can you help me out with any suggestions?

[DavidR]

I strongly doubt it is avast, as a) it isn't a firewall, b) it doesn't block but scans for infection and alerts.

Try clearing the IE Temporary Internet files and 'Cookies' and see if that resolves it.

I can reach the above link you gave using firefox 3, have you tried using a different browser, firefox or opera ?

If they work it would indicate that the problem is with IE (which version ?).

[ardvark]

Hi...

I don't think this issue has anything to do with avast. Otherwise, you most likely would have seen an avast alert window pop up when you tried to access the page. Also, you don't mention that you are having the same issue with any other website.

The page you provided comes up without any problem on my system, (Windows Vista Home Premium x64, Internet Explorer 7.)

Have you tried cleaning out your browser's cache? In Internet Explorer, go to "Tools," then "Internet Options" and then make sure the "General" tab is highlighted. Click "Delete" under "Browsing History." If you are using Internet Explorer 6, please see this page...

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie6/using/howto/customizing/clearcache.mspx

You can also try accessing the site with a different browser, such as Firefox...

http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

Hope this helps...

May God Bless you!

[Lisandro]

I can connect it through Firefox...
If you disable WebShield from avast, can you connect that site?

[bob3160]

If you disable WebShield from avast, can you connect that site?

It's not WebShield or you wouldn't be able to access it in any of the other browsers either.

I also have no problems getting to that website regardless of the browser I've tried and I have more than most at my disposal.

[rdmaloyjr]

I can load that site with Opera, Iron & IE, but it loads very,very slow in all three bowsers.  How long did you wait?  I'm on fast cable internet.

[DavidR]

That's weird, I'm on dial-up and I didn't find it took long at all to load using firefox.

[rdmaloyjr]

I can load anyother site virtually instantly, but http://mychildlossgrief.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php
is slow.

[bob3160]

I can load anyother site virtually instantly, but http://mychildlossgrief.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php
is slow.

As you can see from the attached picture, there isn't any problem loading it from SRWare Iron or any of the others you mentioned.

[hlecter]

I went there with Opera and the page loaded fast.

I saw that the latest posting was this one from the administrator:

_______________________________________
Under Attack
« on: November 25, 2008, 10:27:50 AM »   

Our forum has been under HEAVY attack by spam bots for a few weeks now. Due to this issue, security has been raised to the highest level and new accounts must be approved by the administrators.

We do our very best to screen all new accounts as we are adamant about security and preserving the privacy and legitimacy of MCLG members. If your account has been denied, and or banned, and you do have legitimate reason for being a member here, please contact us with verification so that we may resolve your status and offer you support on your journey.

Sincerely,
MCLG Admin Team
admin@mychildlossgrief.org
______________________________________

I don't know it this is related to your problems?

HL

[rdmaloyjr]

http://mychildlossgrief.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php is now loading very fast.  I'm at a loss to explain why, there is no difference in the speed of my internet.

[CharleyO]

***

On dialup & using Opera 9.63, the site loaded completely for me in 53 seconds.


***

[earguijo]

Hello everyone, thanks so much for the quick response.  I did delete all temp files using explorer using tools, internet options...delete temp files, cookies, etc.  I downloaded Firefox and did not transfer the settings...but it did the same thing. I am using At&T DSL but infortunately their tech's were of no help.

If you can think of anything else, it would be greatly appreciated.  This forum is my lifeline at this time and I truly need to access it.

May God bless everyone who has been trying to help me.

[earguijo]

Oops, I forgot to mention that I am able to get to the main page, it's the forum that I'm unable to access.  I keep getting the error msg.  I have used this page for 2 yrs now but only recently have I not been able to access it.  Again, I can reach it from work but I don't want to use it there because I get very emotional.

Thanks.

[alanrf]

Again, I can reach it from work but I don't want to use it there because I get very emotional.

While I must be thankful that I do not have to tread your path I think we can all understand that.  If I may be allowed to quote my friend ardvark ... May God Bless you!

Can you please tell us about any other security software you have installed on your system?

Also  .... please read this post by DavidR ... while not directly related to you problem please read it and see if your "hosts" file has been modified  .... if it appears too complicated to follow please let us know and we will try to help further.