Problems maintaining internet access

Sometime in December I started having trouble accessing some web pages. Usually I received the message "page could not be found". Also there would be some "time out errors". Timing between events was random.

Earlier this month as I was about to update my HOSTS file, I found a file called HOSTS vpn.bat. As I am using a paid Premium Security plan with their VPN, I made the logical assumption it was their software causing my problem. Company policy has made support very slow & frustrating. So I'm still trying to find a solution.

Because of problems with changing ISPs' last year, I lost access to my e-mail account. This also moved me to a third email account (aol.com) as my current ISP only provides employees with email accounts.

The situation is progressively getting worse. I can get the either error message while reading an article and/or a post on a web page. Time between events is getting shorter. Now it is even affecting my email client. It does not query the server, check for nor deliver the email. All I receive is the message "Done."

I am now getting the errors where it blocks my home page from loading even preventing any access to the internet. I have to shut down the program or at other times I have to reboot.
My programs & games seem to function without any problems.

I read Rich A.s' thread from 2020. Could this be my problem where I would have to change to a different DNS??

Any assistance will be greatly appreciated

 

Thank you for the quick reply.

No. It got to the point where I didn't trust the VPN anymore. I went to one of my regular websites and while I was updating my profile, it informed me I was dialing in from Calif. I live on the opposite side of the country. This occurred after I exited the VPN to disable it. To make a long story short, I uninstalled the A/V & VPN.
My surprise when the problems still persisted. That host file caused me to make the wrong assumption.

Tech support finally came thru & as part of their instructions they said to reset my modem router, try another DNS and flush the cache. Basically the same instructions I found thru Rich A.s' post, below.

Well, it just got worse. I no longer have an internet connection. My current ISP, after a two (2) hour diagnostic phone call, gave me an appointment for Jan 31 to meet with their tech repairman to restore my internet connection. We are still on copper. My daughter came to my rescue & volunteered her wifi so I can stay in touch.

I started to follow the instructions in Richs' post, but when I click the button after entering the two (2) addresses, instruction # 7, I am informed that I have to enter an "IP address". Where would I get that IP address ?? Would that be the address my ISP assigns me ??

 

I am still trying to find out where I would get that ip address. Google is not my friend this time.
Considering I am on a different service, cable as to my DSL, would flushing the cache & changing DNS servers clear up all the web page anomalies. Then all I would have to do is wait for repairman.

I did receive an email from my VPN tech support. He related that creating that HOSTSvpn.bat file is a normal part pf their protection. Wish they would have told me that 2 weeks ago when I first asked.

 

Hi steve,
I don't remember the numbers.

Yes, I have a number of nuisance sites plus I use Dan Pollocks HOSTS list of sites. During my research of this problem, I discovered uBlock Origin uses the same list. What I did was delete the HOSTS file; but the problem still persisted. It will be a lot thinner when I correct this problem.

I will try one of those addresses the next time I bring that comp online.

I just received another e-mail from tech support stating that their VPN does block my e-mail client. They supplied some instructions to set up split tunneling to correct the problem. Will keep you advised of my progress.

Thanks again.....