scussy, thanks for the links ;-)

I have just acquired a new computer with a new copy of XP Pro and the works. I am on line (broadband 2m) through a Netgear router. The irritation I have at the moment is only being able to connect to some websites and not others, through both Internet Explorer and Firefox. The trouble is the same. So, for example, the home pages of Lloydstsb.com and Microsoft.com are not loading, yet other sites like Moneyam.com and Betfair.com load up no problem whatsoever!

It isn't the specific sites as I've asked a friend to try out the ones I cannot get, and he can load up through IE with no difficulty. It is mightily frustrating as I cannot do any banking!

As I said, it is not IE but also Firefox which suggests a non-browser issue....maybe!

Any ideas would be appreciated. Remeber we are talking a brand new, official copy of Windows XP Pro.

Bones

Java?

Try getting rid of all your Java and then download the Java supplied by MoneyAM's link (eg, on the Monitor page)

Here's what it says on LloydsTSB about what is needed:-

Enabling JavaScript in Internet Explorer

To enable JavaScript in Microsoft Internet Explorer version 4x, follow these steps:

Start Internet Explorer and select 'View', ' Internet Options' from the menu.
Click on the 'Security' tab, then select the 'Internet zone' from the zone dropdown list.
Click on the 'Custom' radio button then click on the 'Settings' button.
Scroll down to the 'Scripting' section and ensure that 'Active scripting' is enabled. If the 'Enable' radio button is not already selected, click on it to select it.
Click 'OK 'to close the 'Security Settings' dialogue. If you see a warning dialogue 'Are you sure you want to change the security settings for this zone?' click on the 'Yes' button.
Click 'OK' to close the 'Internet Options' dialogue.
Close and restart your Internet Explorer session for any changes to take effect.

To enable JavaScript in Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.0 and above, follow these steps:

Start Internet Explorer and select 'Tools', ' Internet Options' from the menu.
Click on the 'Security' tab, then click the globe icon to select the Internet zone.
Click on the 'Custom level' button to inspect the detailed option settings.
Scroll down to the 'Scripting' section and ensure that 'Active scripting' is enabled. If the 'Enable' radio button is not already selected, click on it to select it.
Click 'OK' to close the 'Security Settings' dialogue. If you see a warning dialogue 'Are you sure you want to change the security settings for this zone?' click on the 'Yes' button.
Click 'OK' to close the 'Internet Options' dialogue.
Close and restart your Internet Explorer session for any changes to take effect.

Thanks DocProc. I had in fact already done just that, downloaded Java from MoneyAM, as I needed that to see the stockwatch. Scripting is already enabled in Internet Explorer.

What I am wondering is what is so peculiar about sites like www.lloydstsb.com, www.microsoft.com and www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk that causes a block whereas www.betfair.com and www.moneyam.com (and many others) are not prevented? And only on my system!

It is certainly a mystery. Could it be a network router issue?

Bones, check the blocked sites page on your router just in case you're blocking them, otherwise it's likely to be a DNS issue. Check on the basic settings page that DNS is set to Get Automatically From ISP (unless your ISP specifies them).

If all that fails it could be a DNS problem with the ISP. It could resolve itself in a couple of days or you could try a different dial-up ISP (assuming you have a modem) to confirm that.

Thank you Kayak. I've checked and seem clear on the first suggestions, which leaves the DNS addresses at my ISP which is AOL, but I am only using the router, not a modem, on the advice of my computer builder.

I will have to see what happens in the next day or two.

I use AOL and Lloydstsb.com and Microsoft.com are fine for me.

If it's AOL, Bones, also work your way through this lot...

http://www.aol.co.uk/products/broadband/features/networking_faqs.adp

Look at Tools, Privacy, Sites on you MS Internet Explorer and make sure there are no blocked sites listed. Do you have separate firewall software tha might be blocking sites?

Bones - I guess you've powered your router down and back up?

I used to have a problem often (5 times a day) with advfn not loading and had to power down my router (d-link 504) to clear it. I changed from pipex to euro1net and nothing changed. I moved house and tel numbers(same exchange) and still it happened. I moved house yet again, still the same exchange and still with euro1net and the problem disappeared.
I blame BT but, there again, I blame BT for the weather.

Installed Internet Explorer7 beta last night. Very good and quite different


http://www.microsoft.com/windows/IE/ie7/default.mspx

I use Internet Sexplorer 5.0 myself.

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I can't access either the AOL or Microsoft links because of my problem. I'll have to find someone with a friendly computer :)

Brianboru - when you say "power down the router", what does that mean in the vernacular? (I don't have an IT background as you probably gather).

To be honest, I still cannot see why some sites won't open yet others kick straight in instantaneously. It's not a general browsing issue but site specific.

To "powered your router down and back up" = switched it off and then back on again.

From the electrical IT term: 'easily switch-on-and-offable'.

:-)

Bones,he means switch it off for a minute,then switch it back on again or (power it up again) :-)

Mega...

Doc snap :-)

It gets switched off every night :)

Mines always switched on :-)

Hi Bones
I've only just realised you're on AOL. People cetainly used to have real problems connecting to AOL with non AOL approved routers. I'm not sure of the current situation but at one time AOL's internet connectivity did not work the same as other ISPs, I had a friend who, three years ago, had to ditch his router and buy an AOL approved model.


The following is from http://forums.whatpc.co.uk/thread.jsp?forum=2&thread=27482

"AOL uses some proprietary protocols (non-standard communication methods). AOL will therefore not work with most Ethernet devices. AOL currently recommend the Thomson SpeedTouch range for use with their service. Before purchasing any other make contact the supplier for confirmation that the device will work with AOL unless clearly stated in the specification."

and, noticing you're using Netgear

"Thank you for contacting Netgear Support. My name is Mukul & I will be handling your enquiry.
I appreciate the opportunity to assist you. Regarding your issue, AOL ADSL is not compatible with DG834 router. None of the Netgear routers support AOL ADSL in UK."

also advice from someone with your problem and how he cured it

"Here is some useful info that may help in getting NETGEAR 834G working with AOL. The problem being with getting Internet Explorer working on secure sites such as HOTMAIL and banking FIRSTDIRECT."




This advice may. or may not, still be relevant!

Bones, try this to change your MTU which may well solve the problem;

http://www.zensupport.co.uk/KBResources/Downloads/MTU/NetworkOptimiser.zip

enter 1400 in both settings.