Can't access some websites, incl. PPRuNe
 

About a month or so ago, I started having problems accessing PPRuNe on my work laptop, which runs Windows 7 Home Premium x64 with Opera as the browser. It just stopped working.

I haven't changed any settings, installed any new software, just won't have it. I can't get on the Government's job site in Malta either, but not too arsed about that one... I've tried IE8 & Firefox, but same result.

Any ideas? No doubt I've clicked something I shouldn't... :O

Is this while you're at work or at home? Can you try via a different network connection? Can you try via a different computer on the same network? This will help narrow down the problem.

It's at home and at work. Tried it on 3 or 4 different wireless connections, same result. On the home network, my desktop (wireless) accesses PPRuNe no problem, but fire up the laptop, can't get on...

down load CC cleaner and clean out the rubbish. But you will need to re-enter your passwords again and then tell it not to delete those cookies in future (options>cookies)

Fork - 'cannot access/stopped working' - can you amplify? What happens when? Which URLs are you using? Firewall on/off etc etc? What CAN you access?

Have you recently looked at any, er, untrustworthy sites?

Hope that was not for me as I would have to plead the 'Fifth':)

gg, tried that, CC Cleaner was already on the machine and use it every few weeks. Usually to get rid of any 'unwanted' debris from the untrustworthy sites mike-wsm is referring to. Ahem.

BOAC, windows firewall on, as it always is/has been. Avast anti-virus running as usual. I promise, I've not changed any settings I'm aware of and it is still working fine on most other websites I go on. I have a bookmark for PPRuNe, PPRuNe Forums - Professional Pilots Rumour Network, which just hangs for a minute of two, then comes up with "Connection closed by remote server".

Oh, any advice given, please take into account I am a special needs case when it comes to confusers... ;)

Only 'instant' suggestions so far:

1) type PPRuNe Forums - Professional Pilots Rumour Network into the bar instead of bookmark
2) Try Windows Firewall OFF briefly
3) Check you do not have another firewall running

Edit: **** VB! Yes, that should be http://www.p p r u n e . o r g without the spaces.

Or even easier type 98.158.194.181 into the address bar.

I would guess that something has happened to the browser settings and has been automatically copied from one browser into the other. There are lots of advanced settings like network and encryption, all way beyond my very limited ability. I would recomend taking the laptop to your local shop or cafe and asking them to check all the settings.