I had to start using a VPN

[vercetti2021]

So long story short, my computer which I believe it is that only has been slowly blocking certain sites from being accessed. The latest finally tossed me over the edge as Amazon was now unusable. I couldn't search, look at my account or anything. This has been a long list of stuff building up over the last year or so. Some sites refuse to work at all. Even across multiple browsers. But I ruled out my ISP as I can access those same sites just fine on my mobile or any other PC in the house. But a VPN fixes this issue like nothing. I have no idea what to make of it really. I guess are VPN's safe to use while accessing banking info and such?

[Tetrachloride]

1. try changing your DNS SERVER settings

Google has the fastest, I surmise

[vercetti2021]

3. Is that with IP4?

8.8.8.8
8.8.4.4

I tried that didn't work

[Tetrachloride]

4. Correct. Unlikely but a router reset may be a way.

If your other
devices are using the router,
seems to be less likely the problem.

My expertise is not in Windows system diagnosis. I only know the basics. Hopefully a pro person will come along.

[Tetrachloride]

2. Security check: your HOSTS file

https://m.majorgeeks.com/files/details/hosts_file_for_windows.html

Normally speaking , your computer’s “hosts.txt” file is short. The link above describes the normal way.

Abnormally speaking, it could have been nefariously altered

Finally, the hosts file can be used for serious ad blocking.

If in doubt, visit a professional shop near you. Have them adjust the DNS server settings and install a serious hosts.txt file.

[canetoad]

5. Try checking your router

Firewall settings in configuration. If they are set to 'high' it will probably block all sites using scripts. That will break many websites.

[vercetti2021]

6. How do I do that?

Check the settings on it?

[canetoad]

7. There will be a login number

It will be either 192.168.0.0 or 10.1.1.1 maybe something similar. The info should come with the instructions or your ISP will have it.

Log into your router by typing these numbers into the address box of your browser. You will probably then need to log in with your ISP username and password.

Keep in mind that all routers and ISPs are different so I can only describe what happens on mine. You will find somewhere a 'Firewall' setting. This is the hard firewall contained in the router, not Windows firewall. Any settings above 'NORMAL' can limit your access to sites.

[usonian]

8. Remote diagnoses are a bitch, but here are some thoughts.

It's the computer, if other devices are accessing the net via the router OK.
And if different browsers are experiencing the same, then it's in the network stack on the computer (or malware)

Malware should be checked for.
Beyond that, do make friends with a computer geek. Said person can run through a whole raft of commands and utilities in short order. Phone and email/text are way too tedious.

I am thinking netstat, traceroute, and others, to judge what's going on with the network.

WARNING! Do not enlist some remote "help desk".

There are ones posing as computer and printer help who will get you to download remote access software, and you are hosed at that point. I think they pose as official support and pay Google or do other SEO to get on the first page.

Now, if the O.S. has some built-in blocking software (i.e. parental controls, p0rn blocker, whatever) then maybe that is problematic.

Kids have been known to do amazing things when given access to Amazon, though I think that Alexa is the usual accomplice)

And that's it.
Good luck.

[Paige_Turner]

9. you didnt say if you ran a virus scan

Do a boot-disk virus scanner

[Wonder Why]

10. VPN isues to be aware of

I have been using a VPN. VPNs have a limited number of addresses. Your communication will use one of those addresses. So if a lot of people are using the same one and a lot of those are spammers, scammers, phishers and worse, you will look like you are coming from the same place they are and many sites block those addresses. So places you communicate to might block you with a VPN but work without one. They also may require you to fill out a Captcha but that won't happen when you go direct.

It sometimes is more of a pain to use the VPN than to not use it but I still use it. At least it keeps the tracking down.

[Brainfodder]

11. ipconfig /flushdns

Use in elevated CMD prompt.

DNS table probably needed refreshed.