Cannot Access Websites on Desktop but can on Laptop

[ChelleM3]

I cannot access my student loan servicer or my 401k servicer websites on my desktop. The student loan gives me, "unexpectedly closed the connection." and the 401k will start to load but never finishes. Both these sites open easily on my work laptop. I have checked and it is not my anti-virus software interferring. Any advice?

[NonSequitur777]

@ChelleM3,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

An interesting situation.

It sounds like the issue may be specific to your desktop's settings or network configuration. Here are some steps to troubleshoot and resolve the problem:

1. Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies

• Sometimes outdated or corrupted cache data can cause issues loading websites.
• Steps:
  • In your browser (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Firefox), go to settings and clear browsing data.
  • Select "Cached images and files" and "Cookies and other site data," then click Clear Data.

2. Try a Different Browser

• Test the sites using an alternate browser to see if the issue persists.
• For example, if you're using Chrome, try Edge or Firefox.

3. Check Browser Extensions

• Disable browser extensions like ad blockers or VPN plugins that might interfere with these sites.
• Steps:
  • Open your browser settings and disable extensions one by one to identify the culprit.

4. Verify Your Network Settings

• Ensure there are no proxy settings or manual DNS configurations that might be blocking access.
• Steps:
  • On Windows:
    • Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Internet Options > Connections tab > LAN settings.
    • Ensure "Automatically detect settings" is checked, and no proxy server is enabled.
  • Check your DNS settings (e.g., use Google's public DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).

5. Test with a Different Network

• If possible, connect your desktop to a different network (e.g., a mobile hotspot) to see if the issue persists.
• This can help rule out local network restrictions or issues.

6. Update or Reinstall Your Browser

• Ensure you're running the latest version of your browser.
• If issues persist, uninstall and reinstall your browser.

7. Disable Security Software Temporarily

• Even though you've ruled out antivirus interference, consider temporarily disabling any firewalls or other security software to test connectivity.

8. Check Your Hosts File

• The hosts file on your desktop could inadvertently block these sites.
• Steps:
  • Navigate to: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
  • Open the hosts file with Notepad and ensure there are no entries for your student loan or 401k sites.

9. Flush DNS and Reset Network Settings

• This can help resolve connectivity issues caused by cached DNS entries.
• Steps:
  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type the following commands:
    • ipconfig /flushdns
    • netsh int ip reset
    • netsh winsock reset
  • Restart your computer after running these commands.

 

If None of These Work:

It’s possible there’s a more specific compatibility or network issue. Let me know the exact browser and operating system version you’re using, as well as the URLs of the sites (if possible), and I can investigate further.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[ChelleM3]

Thank you so much for your response. I tried everything on your list and cannot connect to those websites. My student loan servicer website is: [Content Removed} I've tried connecting on Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. I get these messages.

Chrome: 

servicing.mohela.com unexpectedly closed the connection.

ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED

Edge:

Hmmm… can't reach this page
It looks like servicing.mohela.com closed the connection

FireFox:

ecure Connection Failed

An error occurred during a connection to servicing.mohela.com. PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR

Error code: PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR

I don't believe it's my network since my tablet and work laptop can both access this site on my wi-fi network. Do you have any other suggestions? Thanks again.

[NonSequitur777]

@ChelleM3,

OK, I would try using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) such as ProtonVPN to see if this service will make your issues disappear. This VPN offers secure connections with a no-cost tier (see "Proton Free") and straightforward interfaces with unlimited data but limited server options in the free version: https://www.lifewire.com/proton-vpn-free-browser-extension-8695105?utm_source=chatgpt.com:

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[ChelleM3]

Thanks for the suggestion. A VPN didn't help. I still cannot access it. Do you have any other recommendations?

[NonSequitur777]

@ChelleM3,

No, I have run out of ideas, I'm afraid.

But let's cast our net a bit wider.

@Paul_Tikkanen, this OP's query is right up your alley 😉 -could you provide any Senior insights here?

Much Obliged!

NonSequitur777

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, @NonSequitur777  & @ChelleM3 

Unfortunately, that one is above my paygrade.

Other than backing up your files and doing a complete reinstall of Windows on the problematic PC, I don't have any other suggestions for you to try.