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.

With apologies to everyone else, since Bones can't follow the link here is the full AOL FAQ.


Home Networking Frequently Asked Questions What are the minimum system requirements for home networking on AOL?
AOL Broadband Gold or Platinum
An AOL supported modem router
A BT phone line
Windows 2000 or Windows XP (SP1 and above)
At least a 233MHz Pentium processor or equivalent
At least 128MB system memory (RAM)
175MB of free hard disk space
A wireless adapter for each computer you wish to connect wirelessly
A spare Network Interface Card port (Ethernet Interface or NIC) on each computer you wish to connect with Ethernet cable
An Ethernet cable for each additional computer (often only one is included in the box)
Can I set up a home network if I have AOL Cable Broadband?

AOL does not currently support home networking for cable broadband users.

Do you support home networking on AOL Broadband Silver?

No, we do not support home networking on AOL Broadband Silver. If you wish to share your broadband connection between computers in your home, you must subscribe to either the AOL Broadband Gold or Platinum services.

Are there special requirements for the Screen Name I use to set up my home network?

Yes. The Screen Name you use for configuring your router to sign on to AOL must follow the following guidelines to avoid technical problems with your connection:

You must enter the full Screen Name in lower case
You must add @aol.com after the Screen Name
The Screen Name must not contain any spaces
The Screen Name must have General (18+) access in AOL Parental Controls (Mature Teen, Young Teen and Kids Only Screen Names will not work for a router connection)
For example, if your current Screen Name is: FTG and HL24 The router setup for this Screen Name should be: ftgandhl24@aol.com

We recommend that you create a new Screen Name for your router to connect to AOL. (If you use an existing Screen Name, then access AOL from a different location using that same Screen Name, your router will lose connection to the Internet.)

You can create a new Screen Name for this purpose at AOL Keyword: Screen Names, making sure that it follows the above guidelines.

Are there special requirements for the password I use to set up my home network?

Yes. The AOL Screen Name you use for configuring your router to sign on to AOL must use a password that follows the three rules below:

The password cannot be longer than eight characters
The password must consist of letters and numbers only (i.e., no spaces, or special characters such as: ! ? % and spaces)
The password must be all lower case (no CAPITALS allowed)
Don't forget to make a note of your password. If necessary, you can change your password to fit the above guidelines at AOL Keyword: Password.

What are the essential settings for connecting to AOL?

When setting up a router, you will be prompted to enter certain details that govern the type of connection you establish. Depending on the hardware you have, the way in which you enter these details may differ. However, you are likely to be prompted to enter them during the installation of your router and also a wireless adapter, should you choose to use a wireless setup.

Some router installation guides will automatically enter some of these details. Therefore, you may not be prompted for them all. In other cases, the options will be named differently. If you experience problems setting up your chosen home networking solution, you should refer to the documentation included with the device.

Required Details:

Connection Protocol PPPoA
VPI 0 Note that sometimes you will be asked for both figures together (VPI/VCI).
VCI 38 In that instance, you enter them separated by a comma: 0,38
Username yourscreenname@aol.com
Password youraolpassword

Wireless Settings:

When configuring a wireless router, you may also be prompted for the following:

SSID: This is the 'name' of the router that you are using and is used by wireless adapters when they attempt to establish a connection.
WEP Key: The WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) key is the equivalent of a password on your router. Depending on your setup, it may be necessary to define one of these and ensure that any wireless adapters that connect to the router have the same key in their settings.
Network Type: There are a number of possible choices available here, but, if the option is available, you should choose Base Station.
MTU Setting: MTU (Maximum Transfer Unit) defines the largest data packet size you can transmit in one go across a network. The AOL network runs at an MTU of 1400. Many routers have inbuilt auto-configurations where the hardware identifies that the AOL traffic has an MTU of 1400 and dynamically adjusts. Alternatively you may have to manually change the MTU setting on the modem router. If the router hardware does not have this facility, the MTU setting can manually be changed on the computer to 1400.
You can change the MTU setting on your computer by using DrTCP. This is a free software utility that is a shortcut to editing your registry. This is available at Broadband Reports

MRU Setting: MRU (Maximum Routing Unit) is required by some modem routers and should be set to the same value as the MTU of 1400.
MSS Setting: MSS (Maximum Segment Size) is required by some modem routers and dynamically adjusts the packet size to fit the MTU. It should be set to 1360.
Do I need to change my AOL sign-on location when I have a home network?

Your location on the AOL Sign-On Screen should be set to ISP/LAN Connection when you use a home network to connect to AOL Broadband.

Do I still need to use DSL filters with my home network?

Yes, as with any broadband connection, you must have a DSL filter attached to every phone socket in your house. If you don't, it can affect the quality of your broadband service.

How can I prevent my children from accessing external browsers or inappropriate content if I have home networking set up?

AOL 9.0 provides you with the ability to 'lock down' your Internet connection using Internet Access Controls, which work alongside the Parental Controls provided within the AOL service. Internet Access Controls give you an added layer of security to prevent children from using external browsers or other Internet access programs, such as file-sharing software, which can lead to inappropriate content being seen.

When setting up a home network through a modem router connection, the AOL Screen Name used for setting up the modem router and accessing the Web needs to have General (18+) access. It is this AOL Screen Name that actually establishes the connection and, as such, it cannot be restricted - so Mature Teen, Young Teen and Kids Only Screen Names will not work on the modem router setup.

When using a home network, parents should ensure that Internet Access Controls are installed and activated on all computers linked to that network. This will allow Parental Controls to restrict Web access. Children's Internet usage should be supervised at all times. Visit AOL Keyword: Parental Controls for more information.

How can I make my wireless network more secure?

A wireless network may be unrestricted by the walls of your house, allowing you to use your laptop in your garden. However, unless you add security measures, it's technically possible for nearby households to access your broadband connection and see what you're doing online. AOL will help you to take the steps to increase the security of your home network.

A few simple steps are necessary to help protect your network from unwanted access:
Ensure that the security features available on your modem router are turned on. Security features are often switched off by default when you purchase your modem router.
If your modem router has wireless capabilities but you do not wish initially to connect computers wirelessly, you should ensure that this is disabled. Many modem routers have wireless networking turned on by default.
When setting up your modem router, you should select a personal name for your network, called an SSID, or network name. This identifies your wireless network as your own, if there are a number of networks available locally. For example, when connecting a computer to your wireless network, you may be able to identify a neighbour's wireless network in the area. If you personalise the name of your wireless network, it will be easy to recognise. Ensure that you make a note of your SSID for future reference.
AOL recommends setting up WEP 128-bit encryption on your modem router. Encryption 'scrambles' data as it passes over your wireless network, preventing unauthorised users from accessing your network. You must set up encryption on each wireless adapter you are using to connect computers to your network.

For added security, all the computers connected to your home network should have up-to-date personal firewalls and anti-virus software installed and enabled. AOL Broadband members can get McAfee Personal Firewall Plus software at no extra cost.

Kayak; Whats version 7 like, can't wait:-)