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When trying to access a site I get the error message "Firefox cannot establish a connection at....."

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  • 4 have this problem
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

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Site is "come in". I've run all scans, two lots of malawre and windows security essentials, reset firefox, checked network settings, in fact everything suggested on here. Help !!!! PS It's the same on all browsers.

Site is "come in". I've run all scans, two lots of malawre and windows security essentials, reset firefox, checked network settings, in fact everything suggested on here. Help !!!! PS It's the same on all browsers.

All Replies (7)

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Boot in safe mode with networking and download some antimalware tools to scan the system.

SAFE MODE: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/start-computer-safe-mode

You can try these free programs to scan for malware, which work with your existing antivirus software:

Microsoft Security Essentials is a good permanent antivirus for Windows 7/Vista/XP if you don't already have one.

Further information can be found in the Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware article.

Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!

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Check the connection settings.

If you do not need to use a proxy to connect to internet then try to select "No Proxy" if "Use the system proxy settings" or one of the others do not work properly.

See "Firefox connection settings":


It is possible that your security software (firewall, anti-virus) blocks or restricts Firefox or the plugin-container process without informing you, possibly after detecting changes (update) to the Firefox program.

Remove all rules for Firefox and the plugin-container from the permissions list in the firewall and let your firewall ask again for permission to get full unrestricted access to internet for Firefox and the plugin-container process and the updater process.

See:

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I've tried all of these things. And again just to confirm. When removing Firefox from the Firewall despite the setting on it only allowing sites that are listed, still goes through, what's that about?

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Also, I have tried disabling the firewall and that made no difference.

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Is your internet connection secure? Tis may occur on an unprotected wifi connection where firefox is not able to establish a safe connection with the website. Happens to me a lot, is unsecure networks seem to be the case, and if you must visit the website, and if the content you view is not private, try changing the https:// in the address bar with http:// . Note that some websites that require your information will insist on a https connection, I cannot help you there, try using a vpn.

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oops hit wrong button on above post. I've scanned the living daylights out of my laptop, checked all settings , and......I'm at a loss

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See also:

You can try to reset (power off/on) the router.


If using various malware scanners does not fix it or if you are blocked from installing AV scanners then ask advice at a forum that specializes in malware removal.