Your computer is connected to the Internet and you can reach most websites just fine but there’s a problem when you try to open some particular website(s).
Though that website is unreachable from your computer, it is definitely not down because you are able to access the same website from another computer at home.
Facing a similar problem ? Here’s how to diagnose and fix the issue:
Fix 1: Check your Windows HOSTS file - Make sure there’s no entry in the hosts file that maps the website’s address to localhost or an incorrect IP address like 127.0.0.1 – it is a possibility if you have imported some third-party hosts file.
cmd /k notepad c:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
Fix 2: Find Faults in the Pipeline – Paypal website may be up and running but it is possible that the real problem lies with a router that is between you and the computer hosting the Paypal website. Do a traceroute and check for messages like “Request Timed Out” – they will help you find the location of the breakdown.
Type the following command in the Run Window:
cmd /k tracert www.paypal.com – remember to replace Paypal with address of the website that is unreachable.
Fix 3: Clear DNS Cache – The DNS cache keeps a record of sites that you have recently visited on your computer. If that gets corrupted, you may have issues opening sites that were previously accessible without problems.
Type cmd /k ipconfig /displaydns in the Run window to see the cache entries. If that unreachable website is listed in the cache, type cmd /k ipconfig /flushdns to clear the cache.
Fix 4: Website May Be Blocked – The chances are rare but it is possible that access to some particular website may be have been restricted by the Office firewall. To test this, send an email to www@web2mail.com with the problematic website URL in the subject field. If the website is up, you will get a text copy of the web page in an email message.
Fix 5: Suspend the Anti-Virus and Firewall – If you are running an external software firewall or anti-virus program (like Norton, ZoneAlarm, etc), exit and restart the web browser. Is the problem solved now ?
When nothing works, open 192.168.1.1 and reboot the modem. If that fails, restart your computer and as a final step, call your ISP support.
Find this article at: http://www.labnol.org/software/tutorials/computer-cannot-open-internet-websites/2116/
Tags: dos commands, feature, hacks, hosts, ipconfig, troubleshooting, Software, Tips, Tricks, Tutorials
Reader Comments
Really useful info !
Thanks.
Written by Rohit Khurana on 01.21.08
Thanks – particularly about the hosts file and firewall information. Sometimes those feature can be easily ovelooked…
Written by Michael on 01.21.08
easier still. i use some proxy site to access it if it is really urgent and the bit of figuring out the problem can be dealt later. This is real quick and less geeky way. read digital inspiration’s post on accessing blocked websites for proxies.
Written by rohan on 01.21.08
Generally users did not think about websites that are unreachable from their computers. But you have done good research on how to open websites that are unreachable from users computers.
Written by k.s.reddy on 01.22.08
Thanks been racking my brain trying to figure it out and it was the host file. Any idea how the extra paypal ip addresses would have been put into the host file?
Written by jason on 03.16.08
I am having a problem opening a particular website from my laptop.
( link
I have no problem with any other website. I checked with the other computers also in my house and this particular website is opening ONLY FROM MY LAPTOP !!
This website has not been blocked or any
such thing. Can you help me please.
thank you
Written by Christine on 03.19.08
thanks man :)
it really worked after clearing the dns cache
Written by rayees on 07.12.08
I am really thankful to you.
i just remembered that i changed the DNS server, now i did it on automatic :) lolz.
thank you so much.
Written by Saad Khan on 01.20.09