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Hello everyone! :)
My problem is thus: Internet explorer works wonders until I try to connect to protected pages, then I get page cannot be displayed. If I try to conect to any server-based programs - P2P, online games, etc - the program either says the server is "dead" or it stays at a stand still trying to connect to the server. Also, on windows update pages - I cant get into any pages that require the website to "decide" what updates I need.

Why is this? How can it be fixed?

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Dani AI

Generated

As found, a personal firewall is a very common cause when basic HTTP works but "protected" pages, Windows Update detection, P2P clients and online games fail. Many firewalls allow outbound port 80 by default while blocking other ports or blocking specific programs (including the Windows Update service) — and some do SSL/HTTPS scanning that breaks secure connections.

A quick, safe troubleshooting sequence:

  • Temporarily disable the firewall to confirm it is the cause, then re-enable it immediately after the test.
  • Inspect the firewall's log for denied outbound/inbound entries to see which program or port is blocked.
  • Create per-application exceptions rather than turning the firewall off. Allow your browser (iexplore.exe), the game/P2P executables, and the Windows Update services (BITS and wuauserv). Many problems come from firewalls blocking svchost.exe traffic used by those services — add the update service or the specific updater executable instead of blindly allowing all svchost traffic.
  • If a P2P or game needs incoming connections, add the app's port(s) or set up router port forwarding/UPnP.

Quick commands and checks that help identify the problem:

netstat -an      # see active/listening ports
telnet host 443  # test TCP reachability to a given port (replace host/port)
ping host
tracert host

Also verify IE proxy/LAN settings (Tools → Internet Options → Connections → LAN settings) and, if your firewall does HTTPS inspection, try disabling that feature for testing.

Do not leave the firewall disabled — make minimal, well-scoped exceptions, enable logging, keep the firewall software updated, and restore defaults if rules become confusing. If issues persist after opening the expected programs/ports, consult the firewall vendor docs for service-based rules or contact their support.

Member Avatar for holsterws

Nevermind, I fixed the problem - firewall :D

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