Trouble Viewing Specific Web Pages

[Morteus]

I am having trouble viewing a specific web page. I recieve the standard
"page is unavailable" message from Windows.

I recently purchased Adaware spyware eliminator to resolve the problem and eliminated a bunch of spyware off of my system. Unfortunately this didn't solve the problem. I have Norton Utilities and ran a comprehensive system scan with no errors showing. I also have Norton Antivirus which is up to date and have no viruses. (Norton Firewall as well)

I conference called 2 of my friends who had no problem acccessing the page at the same time that I couldn't. I don't have this problem with any other web page. (It's a Canadian Government main site).

I spoke with my ISP's tech support and they were able to reach the page without any trouble. They advised me the problem is with my machine.

I am running Win 98SE with all of the most recent Windows updates.(Internet Explorer Ver. 6) over a DSL connection.
My security settings are at default (medium).

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Mort

[deddard]

Hi, Welcome Aboard!

Is the problem repeatable in other browsers? you'll find the concensus of opinion around here is to avoid Internet Explorer like the plague- to check if the problem is specifically with IE, you could try accessing the same page with mozilla. There are obviously security settings that go with IE, and one of these may be a problem (activeX, java etc)
Mozilla doesn't have the ActiveX problems that IE does, and it's faster.

Can you reach the site by using an IP address?
Is there anything in Norton Firewall which could block access to the site? - It's been a while since I used norton, so I can't remember the configuration offhand, but it is possible that the firewall is blocking the site.

I've no doubt that others will give other suggestions as well, but my first port of call would be mozilla, if only to see if the problem is repeatable. - I've only been using it myself for a couple of months, but I am a definite convert!

[Morteus]

Thanks for the suggestion. However I think that this may be a drastic change to fix a simple problem. (Mozilla) I haven't tried to get there through the IP address because I don't know how to identify it.

Anyone else have any suggestions? I'm stumped!

Thanks, Mort

[picazzo]

Is there a reset button on your DSL modem?
Did your ISP tech have you "power up" or refresh the modem?
Lastly , are you behind a router?
I've had this happen to me quite often in the past year or so and it is always modem or router related and an easy fix.

[Morteus]

Thanks for the reply.

I power off my modem (DSL) every time I shutoff my PC. (couple of times a day) There is no reset button on the modem. Could it be an Active X problem? If so how would I correct it?

I assume it isn't because I think either scandisk or Norton Windoctor or disk doctor would pick up on this.

HELP!

Mort

[Budfred]

There are a number of spyware and other malware programs that will not be picked up by Ad-Aware or Norton... You need to post a HijackThis log to be reviewed... You can get it through my links below... Here are instructions for running it...

To run HJT, extract it to a permanent folder such as one you create like C:\HJT. Close all open windows and browsers and make sure that all programs are enabled if you use msconfig. Run it and Scan, then Save the log. When the log window appears, Right click to Copy it, open your browser and come here to Paste the entire log. Do not make any changes until it is checked since most items are either benign or essential to the computer.

[Quantax]

It could be possible that you have that website address in your hosts file but it's now outdated and this blocks access. Check out the hosts file and if that website is there, delete it.

[picazzo]

Yes the host file may be the culprit,especially if this is the only site involved.
Something to try....Unplug the power to modem.Now turn off pc normally and wait a minute or so.Plug modem back in.Turn on pc.This should refresh the modem.P.

[Morteus]

OK...I don't know how to check my host file. I cut power to my modem every day as it is on a powerbar that I shut off after shutting down the PC.

I have run Hijack this and here is the log file report:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
Scan saved at 1:00:39 PM, on 8/26/04
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\SYMANTEC SHARED\CCEVTMGR.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NORTON PERSONAL FIREWALL\NISUM.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NORTON PERSONAL FIREWALL\CCPXYSVC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NORTON UTILITIES\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ATICWD32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ATITASK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NORTON ANTIVIRUS\NAVAPW32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\SYMANTEC SHARED\CCAPP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\RunDLL.exe
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MICROSOFT OFFICE\OFFICE\OSA.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MICROSOFT OFFICE\OFFICE\FINDFAST.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SONY HANDHELD\HOTSYNC.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SYMPATICO\ACCESS MANAGER\APP\ENTERNET.EXE
C:\HIJACK\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.sympatico.ca/iesearchpane.html
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://ca.yahoo.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = Microsoft Internet Explorer provided by Sympatico
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
F1 - win.ini: run=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\cmmpu.exe
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] C:\WINDOWS\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AtiCwd32] Aticwd32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AtiKey] Atitask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StillImageMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NAV Agent] C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\NAVAPW32.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BootWarn] C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\BootWarn.exe /a
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Symantec NetDriver Monitor] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMNET~1\SNDMON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NPROTECT] C:\Program Files\Norton Utilities\NPROTECT.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mstask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [ScriptBlocking] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Script Blocking\SBServ.exe" -reg
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [ccEvtMgr] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Nisum] C:\Program Files\Norton Personal Firewall\NISUM.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [ccPxySvc] C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~3\CCPXYSVC.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [NPROTECT] C:\Program Files\Norton Utilities\NPROTECT.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Taskbar Display Controls] RunDLL deskcp16.dll,QUICKRES_RUNDLLENTRY
O4 - Startup: Office Startup.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA.EXE
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Find Fast.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\FINDFAST.EXE
O4 - Startup: HotSync Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Sony Handheld\HOTSYNC.EXE
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Hearts - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/ht1_x.cab
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Euchre - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/et1_x.cab
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Gin - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/nt1_x.cab
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Backgammon - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/at1_x.cab
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Go Fish - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/zt3_x.cab
O16 - DPF: {0A5FD7C5-A45C-49FC-ADB5-9952547D5715} (Creative Software AutoUpdate) - http://www.creative.com/su/ocx/12119/CTSUEng.cab
O16 - DPF: {F6ACF75C-C32C-447B-9BEF-46B766368D29} (Creative Software AutoUpdate Support Package) - http://www.creative.com/su/ocx/15008/CTPID.cab

Here is the URL I cannot reach www.mto.gov.on.ca

Any help you can provide is as always greatly appreciated!

Cheers,
Mort.

[Paul Komski]

Try http://192.75.156.21

[Morteus]

Thanks, I can't get there with the IP address either!
Just tried it.

Mort.

[Paul Komski]

Have you checked your Norton Personal Firewall Rules (http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/nip.nsf/docid/2003120510272036?Open&src=sg&docid=2003120409222336&nsf=nip.nsf&view=46f26a2d6dafb0a788256bc7005c3fa3&dtype=&prod=&ver=&osv=&osv_lvl=) or tried temporarily turning it off to see whether that would change things.

[Budfred]

Your log seems to be clean... You do have a couple of resource hogs running, but nothing that would be likely to cause the problem you are having....

[Morteus]

I just tried turning off the firewall....no difference.
I still can't reach the site!

I think I have all the best geeks stumped with this one!

I'm throwing down the gauntlet....here's a big challenge for you techies
Anyone have any other suggestions? Any Windows developers out there?

Thanks,

Mort.

[Paul Komski]

It could still obviously be one of a number of things - and perhaps we wont ever get to find out.

However unlikely, could your ISP or your ISP's software be blocking things. You are presumably using Broadband.

Post a copy of your hosts (http://www.jhsoft.com/help/index.html?df_hostsfile.htm) file.

Try an alternative browser such as Mozilla or Opera for diagnostic reasons by taking IE out of the equation.

[picazzo]

There must be a way to "refresh" your modem. I'd ask your ISP how to do it for your brand of modem.
Also a dns flush may put things back in order.
How to is herehttp://www.updatexp.com/dns-windows-xp.html
P.

[picazzo]

Another suggestion.....Go to Start, Run, type cmd and press enter. In the command prompt window type "tracert 192.75.156.21 "at the prompt and press enter.Leave a space between tracert and #'s.
You should get something like this-

Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.

C:\Documents and Settings\...>tracert 192.75.156.21

Tracing route to www.labour.gov.on.ca [192.75.156.21]
over a maximum of 30 hops:

1 28 ms 25 ms 22 ms 10.16.13.1
2 * * * Request timed out.
3 36 ms 26 ms 28 ms provdsrc01-pos0801.rd.ri.cox.net [68.9.14.29]
4 41 ms 31 ms 29 ms 68.1.0.44
5 59 ms 62 ms 66 ms chgobbrj01pos010000.r2.ch.cox.net [68.1.0.40]
6 62 ms 60 ms 55 ms 68.105.30.202
7 62 ms 60 ms 55 ms HSE-Sherbrooke-ppp98902.qc.sympatico.ca [64.230.
223.41]
8 68 ms 79 ms 66 ms core4-toronto12-pos6-3.in.bellnexxia.net [206.10
8.103.133]
9 65 ms 73 ms 79 ms 64.230.242.206
10 71 ms 68 ms 69 ms dis1-toronto12-pos9-0.in.bellnexxia.net [206.108
.107.254]
11 71 ms 74 ms 73 ms 64.230.230.86
12 69 ms 69 ms 69 ms 206.47.187.74
13 76 ms 70 ms 68 ms www.labour.gov.on.ca [192.75.156.21]

Trace complete.

C:\Documents and Settings\...>
Right click the CMD window and select 'Select all' and press enter to copy the contents. Paste it into a empty notepad and then post the trace results here.
This may tell us if you are going past your modem or not.

[Morteus]

OK ....I ran the command suggested and it ran 30 times and everytime the request timed out.

Does that mean it's not getting past the modem?

Mort.

[picazzo]

Mort if they ALL timed out...it MAY not be getting past the modem.
Try it with another site and you will see the paths taken. Notice my ISP
is right at the begining of my trace.
Did you try a DNS flush?
P.