[RESOLVED] home: Cannot access Government of Canada web sites

[Johnny Canuck]

Strange one that started about a week ago. First off, let me say that I can access ALL Government of Canada web sites on my wife's computer down the hall so the problem lies with my computer: XP Home, all components very similar to my wife's system. High speed cable. I can send and receive e-mails, access all other sites such as finance, newspapers, car enthusiasts sites, you name it, except clicking on often used icons for income tax, gov. weather radar sites, etc. Typing in url's gives same negative results. Clicking on Google search url's also fail. I temporarily shut down Zone Alarm with no success. What am I missing and where should I start looking? JC

[fink]

First try this address...
198.103.238.30

copy/paste it into the browser address window and let us know if it works.

Things I'd do... clear browsers cache and cookies, Look at the hosts file to see if there's anything in there that may be blocking the sites, temporarily turn off any ad blocking programs if you use any and then try again.

To look in the hosts file do a file search for "hosts".. just hosts, not hosts.sam. Open hosts with notepad and see if there's anything below the line that reads... 127.0.0.1 localhost

[Johnny Canuck]

fink: nice to see you are local (house calls within 50 miles? ).

198.103.238.30 gets me to master web page but still get "locked out" clicking on individual depts. such as Environment Canada ... same ol', same ol'.

There is nothing below 127.0.0.1 localhost

Things I'd do... clear browsers cache and cookies, Look at the hosts file to see if there's anything in there that may be blocking the sites, temporarily turn off any ad blocking programs if you use any and then try again.


With all my experience with computers I must admit I am not quite sure what you are suggesting here. If I delete all my cookies (passwords to many secure sites such as finance, cell phone, etc.) then I will be in some trouble. Clearing cache??? step by step please so I do not screw up. I turned off Zone Alarm; cookie Cop; PopUp Stopper with same negative results. JC

[fink]

To clear your browsers cache, assuming you're using IEX, click Tools>internet options and on the general tab clear your temp internet files.

Yes, clearing cookies will mean you'll need to relog into sites that use cookies for storing that info. You could also have a look through your cookie folder and selectivley delete any you want .... meaning any referencing the gov't website. The cookie folder is just above "local settings"\temp int folder in documents and settings listed under your computer user name. Although since you use cookie cop perhaps searching through the ones that are there might be easier using it.

Have you tried using any other browser? Can you reach any other gov sites like municipal or provincial? How about antivirus sites? Are both PC's connected to the web via a router?

[Johnny Canuck]

I used to clear the cache etc from Internet Options on a daily basis and your description triggered that memory. No change after doing so and yes I can access city and provincial web sites and individual pages such as mayor's office, provincial resources etc. I tried to go back to Feb. 12 using System Restore but system won't go back that far. Also would not go back to even Feb. 21 but did get back to 24th, knowing that would not correct problem. All my cookies are gone except for a very few. I was getting into VR earlier today obviously but when I tried to post this reply I had to sign in again. Many old cookies such as banks, telephone, newspapers etc are ALL GONE. Sinking fast.
Yes both computers are fed thru a router. Same setup for over 5 years. Only thing that seems to have changed is my computer settings. JC

[Johnny Canuck]

I cannot edit my postings so here are some new items to consider ....
I CAN access Provincial Government web sites and I CAN access American Government web sites and just made a quick access icon for border crossing wait times from the American point-of-view. I have re-established most of my vital cookies for finances, etc. Anyone have a clue as to why I cannot access Canadian Government sites? I will now check today's obits to see if I am dead. BWWWAAAA!!! JC

[fink]

try surfing to that/those sites via this proxy site..

http://proxify.com/

just enter the initial adress in the space provided and surf on. I just want to see if this is strictly a DNS issue associated with your PC.

EDIT- also, is it possible someone entered that site into the content advisor/restriction page area in internet options?

[Johnny Canuck]

fink: as you can see I have marked this post as Resolved. I would not dare try to retrace all my steps and how I got there but I went into Tools/Internet Options/Connections/LAN Settings and clicked on Automatically Detect Settings and a few twists and turns and I am back in business. Your last suggestion for a proxy access looks interesting but at this time I am afraid to play around any more. Perhaps later when the bar opens. Thanks for your fast response this morning. Much appreciated. Now I can see the weather radar from King City and see the snow dumping on GTA. And finally, I am the only one with access to this computer so that is ruled out - or not? JC

[fink]

Glad it's sorted. I'm not sure why redetecting the settings would have worked for that one site but working is working.

I don't need access to a radar site to see the snow... I just need to look out the window LOL.

I'm not sure I understand your last question..

I am the only one with access to this computer so that is ruled out - or not?

[Johnny Canuck]

fink: your quote: also, is it possible someone entered that site into the content advisor/restriction page area in internet options?
My quote: I am the only one with access to this computer so that is ruled out - or not? I was responding to your question. JC

[fink]

99.9% Ruled out