Websites won't open because Connection, proxy firewall

[Franmhart]

I cannot open many websites on both chrome and other browsers. Comes up with "this site cannot be reached". I am on WiFi and I have no clue how to fix this issue.

I have done a diagnostic test on the wifi and it's all good so assuming issue is proxy/firewall. 

laptop- pavilion 

thanks!

[Raj_05]

Hi @Franmhart,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

The "Connection, Proxy, Firewall" error you're encountering typically indicates an issue with network settings or security configurations. Here are some steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

Check Proxy Settings

• Windows:
  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
  2. Navigate to Network & Internet > Proxy.
  3. Ensure "Automatically detect settings" is ON.
  4. Turn OFF "Use a proxy server" if enabled.
• MacOS:
  1. Go to System Preferences > Network.
  2. Select your active network, then click Advanced > Proxies.
  3. Ensure no proxies are enabled.

Disable Firewall or Security Software Temporarily

If you have third-party antivirus or firewall software installed:

1. Temporarily disable it.
2. Test if websites open.
3. If the issue resolves, adjust the software’s settings to allow the browser.

To disable the Windows Firewall:

1. Press Win + S and search for Firewall & Network Protection.
2. Select your active network and toggle the firewall OFF.
3. Test and re-enable the firewall after testing.

Reset Network Settings

• Command Prompt Method:
  1. Press Win + S, type cmd, and run as Administrator.
  2. Enter the following commands one by one:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
 

1. Restart your laptop and test.

Check DNS Settings

• Set DNS to Google DNS or Cloudflare for reliability.
  1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change Adapter Settings.
  2. Right-click on your WiFi connection and select Properties.
  3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
  4. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses:
     • Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
     • Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
  5. Click OK and test.

[Raj_05]

Test in Safe Mode with Networking

• Boot into Safe Mode with Networking to rule out third-party software interference:
  1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
  2. Go to the Boot tab, check Safe boot, and select Network.
  3. Restart your laptop.
  4. Test browsing. If it works, a third-party app is likely causing the issue.

Scan for Malware

• Malware or adware can redirect or block internet traffic:
  • Use Windows Security or tools like Malwarebytes to scan your system.

Verify Router Settings

• If the issue persists across devices, it could be a router problem:
  1. Restart your router.
  2. Check if the router has a firewall or content filter blocking websites.

Browser-Specific Fixes

• Clear Cache:
  1. Open your browser and go to Settings > Privacy > Clear Browsing Data.
  2. Clear cache and cookies.
• Disable Extensions:
  • Disable all extensions, then enable them one by one to identify problematic ones.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4

HP Support