site gone MIA

browser returns download type application/octet-stream

[nancyb]

A site I watch has recently started returning a download window instead of resolving to the site.

Can't ping or do a traceroute to the site either.

What does it mean when a download window pops up with the file type of "application/octet-stream"?

[bcolflesh]

The server can't find a built-in handler to parse the file, so it's trying to deliver it to the client - your browser. Check the whois and notify the admin.

[nancyb]

Thanks for the clarification.

I did try sending an email, but the admin address uses the domain and I don't know another addy to try.

I know who the hosting service is and they are also unreachable.

[bcolflesh]

Doesn't sound good! But the mail server may be another machine entirely, so definitely try the site contacts in the whois record - or try the names/addys listed there and see if you turn up alternate contact addys.

[nancyb]

thanks, again. unfortunately, only one contact in whois besides network solutions.

Hopefully, they keep close tabs on their site and will discover the problem soon if my email doesn't reach them.