Can't Get to Secure Web Sites

I received a request for help last week from subscriber Nola McCabe of New Zealand. Nola had a problem that I've seen before, so I was pretty sure the fix was an easy one.

Hi Terry, When I try getting into secure sites a notice comes up internet exployer cannot display this website. My broadband provider spent a hour on the phone with me trying to solve this problem he was unable to do so. Could you please try to help. kind regards Nola

First, I wrote back to Nola to get a more definitive explanation of the error — that is "What does the full message say?" Nola responded to say:

Hi terry,
Thanks for your e-mail, it says internet exployer cannot display website, regards, Nola

I wrote back to say that I assumed that she was using IE7 (although a few people still run IE6 and others are trying the IE8 beta version). It sounds to me like her internet settings have gotten messed up.

One of the easiest ways to get your self locked out of web sites that use SSL encrypted connections is to blindly follow directions you find on the web on how to lock down your system — or by running programs to do the same. Some of these REALLY lock them down.

I suggested that Nola take advantage of IE7's Reset button:

In Internet Explorer,
Open Tools > Internet Options > Advanced Tab
And then click the button that says Reset.

Finally, I asked her to let me know if this solved her problem.

She quickly responded

Hi Terry,
Thank you for your advise, it has brought the computer back to normal, very nice of you, regards, Nola

Copyright © 2009 Terry A. Stockdale. All rights reserved.