Cannot access secure sites

[tigers]

Not sure if this is the right section but here goes:

I cannot sign into any sites that have https: eg yahoo, ebay, igoogle, blogger etc, can't update virus scanner or do Windows Update.

I am running Vista, IE7 (also have Firefox)
Firefox allowed me to get into my bank's secure login but that's about it.

It is also happening on my laptop that runs XP.
This happened overnight with no system upgrades or changes by me.

My ISP is unable to fix this problem.
I have seen the problem in various forums but cannot find a fix.

I have changed modems, computers and the problem still exists.
Is it an ISP or system problem? My ISP has checked the line etc and can find no fault.

What should I do next? Will changing ISPs fix it? I don't really want to change but if it means getting online again I will.

Thanks

[Receptional Andy]

It does sound like an ISP or router problem - what setup do you have to connect to the internet?

[tigers]

Hi Andy,
thanks for you response.

I have tried 3 different modems (all plug-in ones) and 5 different computers all resulting in the same problem.

However I am able to access the sites with a wireless connection. Which would show a fault where? with the ISP?
My ISP is not very helpful.

[Receptional Andy]

Your wireless is using the same internet connection as wired - so it's unlikely to be an network problem with your ISP. What is serving your wireless connection? Is it a router?

[tigers]

The wireless connection is through a USB wireless broadband modem. It is also through a different ISP than the one that has the problem.

[lawman]

I had a problem sort of like that a couple of years ago. Replaced Netgear router with D Link and the problem disappeared.

[tigers]

I had replaced it with a D-link modem and problem is still there.
Had a computer tech come round and he plugged in his modem and computer and the same thing happened on his computer!
My ISP still has no idea as all tested ok at their end.

[Shaddows]

hmmm. Sounds like a specific port is being blocked (443 I think) or filtered, or translated (to port 80 for eg)

Since it isnt your computer, and isn't your router, it must be
1) The DSLAM in your exchange (assuming you are in Europe- dont know if there is a US equivalent)
2) Your ISP
3) A public router (unlikely)

Maybe someone properly technical could help you track where (you cant PING or TRACERT on specific ports). But I would DEFINATELY hassle your ISP again.

Lawman's problem would appear similar, but originate in his own router. Yours seems further upstream.

Andy's comment assumed that your wireless connection was from the same ISP, but you appear to have indicated othewise (comment #:3769559)

[tigers]

Hi I am in Australia.
It even happens when the firewall, and virus is turned off (windows live one care)
I have allowed ports 21,443 and 80 in both the firewall and the modem and the same thing happens.

Yes the wireless connection is through a different ISP.

The ISP has absolutely no idea, there end checked out so they think there is no problem.
Not being able to sign into any fun internet stuff is a problem, or my bank for that matter.
They say they will continue investigating but I don't hold much hope.

I am considering upgrading to ADSL2 through a completely different provider, hoping that may solve the problem or either where the problem is (if same happens through new ISP, I could assume it's my line from the wall-out)

This literally happened overnight one day all was fine next, no access to certain addresses (https)

Thanks for you help though everyone, much appreciated.

[Shaddows]

Right, the problem resides above the physical layer. Your socket can no more block specific ports than your car can refuse to work with a particular brand of petrol.

You have used many different CPE devices (modems/routers) on different PCs. The problem cannot be your end.

The problem cannot be past your ISP, as it is consistantly there.

Thus your problem must lie between you and the break-out point on the internet (i.e your ISP).

So, the only equipment that could cause the problem IMHO is their servers, their routers, or their DSLAM. Tell them to fix it within a specific time frame, then move ISPs. Or just move.

BTW, my technical knowledge is more in passing than by training or experience. Others here have more direct experience. That said, as its probably your ISP, our opinions and/or advice is probably redundant

[tigers]

Thanks Shaddows,
I am hoping changing ISPs (to a better plan for the same price) will fix this problem.

[tigers]

This has now been fixed.....there was a problem with the connection at the exchange. I knew it wasn't my system but had to jump up and down before my ISP would look into it further.

Will still change ISPs in a few weeks.

Thanks for everyone's replies.

[lawman]

Thanks for letting us know the outcome.