I'm posting this from my laptop connection because the Internet on my desk top computer is disabled in a most peculiar fashion. No matter what page I try to visit, I get a 403 FORBIDDEN error; it's also blocking MSN and everything else that uses the internet as well.
Does anybody have any idea what's wrong with my computer?
That's weird since that message is usually given when a server is denying you access. I wouldn't know what could make the entire internet give you that message.
I'm gonna hook my modem up to the laptop and see if it will connect there. Then I'll know if it's a problem with the computer or a problem with the modem/ISP.
Edit: Okay, it's not a problem with my computer; it's doing it on both computers. Friggin' Comcast going and buying out Adelphia.
is your laptop using the same modem but on a wireless connection or is it totally separate?
1/ assuming that your laptop uses the same modem for internet access but wireless: With it not working when wired to the LAN(i assume that's the way its connected) the it could be that either your modem has died but only on its LAN connection or its internal firewall is blocking access. Or if it is USB connection check the cable (maybe try a different one) if still no problem check in your modems settings that the USB is enabled (sometimes it can disable itself on some modems)
2/ assuming that it doesn't use the same modem but uses the same phone line and ISP account.
well if you laptop can access the internet but you other computer can't then it does point to the modem so you may need a new one. If you can try a different modem then that will help with finding the solution.
I'd need a lot more information about your setup, what model modem it is etc to be able to help further though
is your laptop using the same modem but on a wireless connection or is it totally separate?
1/ assuming that your laptop uses the same modem for internet access but wireless: With it not working when wired to the LAN(i assume that's the way its connected) the it could be that either your modem has died but only on its LAN connection or its internal firewall is blocking access. Or if it is USB connection check the cable (maybe try a different one) if still no problem check in your modems settings that the USB is enabled (sometimes it can disable itself on some modems)
2/ assuming that it doesn't use the same modem but uses the same phone line and ISP account.
well if you laptop can access the internet but you other computer can't then it does point to the modem so you may need a new one. If you can try a different modem then that will help with finding the solution.
I'd need a lot more information about your setup, what model modem it is etc to be able to help further though
My laptop and desktop are two separate things altogether. The laptop uses an Altel wireless broadband card.
My desktop's modem is a Motorola Surfboard provided by the cable company, and I have the connection made via the ethernet cable.
Power off the Surfboard for 30 minutes, and by "power off" I mean pull the unplug the electrical cord from the modem.....you don't want any electricity at the modem. Shut down your computer.
After 30 minutes plug the power back into the modem, turn your computer back on....it might take a few moments for the cable modem to sync back up so be patient.
Does you modem have a reset switch. Mine has the kind where you poke say a pin or paper clip into a hole in the back - akin to a force eject on some dvd drives.
When we were having phone line hassles earlier in the year the modem was playing funny buggers for a bit afterwards. I had to press and hold the reset for about a minite and then all was well.
I've no idea what your problem is but that may be worth a try if simply powering down doesn't do the trick...
Power off the Surfboard for 30 minutes, and by "power off" I mean pull the unplug the electrical cord from the modem.....you don't want any electricity at the modem. Shut down your computer.
After 30 minutes plug the power back into the modem, turn your computer back on....it might take a few moments for the cable modem to sync back up so be patient.
Comcast.net got hijacked just yesterday. Maybe that affected you as well. Have you tried calling them yet? You're not using a lot of bittorrent or other p2p stuff are you? They may have cut you off for being a "heavy" user.