Proxy Servers

[gunslinger2006]

For the last few months I haven't been able to get on to backwoodshome.com and I wasn't sure why. Well today I decided to try a free proxy server and bingo, it worked. I don't know why I have to use a proxy server. Something about CenturyTel I guess. However, since it is a free proxy server I get bombarded with ads. Does any one know of a free or very inexpensive proxy server site that I can use? I am currently using unlockweb.org Are there any security issues I should be aware of? And why do I have to use a proxy at all? Thanks.

[MadTripper]

Are you trying to access from work or home?

If you are at work, perhaps they are blocking it.

If it is at home, you shouldn't need to use a proxy at all. You could contact your IsP and find out what the deal is.

Proxies are typically a mask that you connect to and then go from there to your destination. They are normally used to hide your destination. I'm not sure there is any malware or spyware that would be installed but it is possible. Perhaps you could find a different one to use. There are a ton of them out there and you can actully install and run one from your home computer if you are so inclined. Of course if you are trying to access from home, that won't help much.

Chris

[gunslinger2006]

I'm trying to access from home. Actually I can access the site from work easily (at least for now). It's not like the site won't come up at all from home. When I enter the url www.backwoodshome.com into my browser address bar the site will start to load but does so so slowly that it times out before the page loads. I usually get the top banner and the side menu but thats about it. This site has been the only one this has happened with. You're right I should holler at my ISP and see if there is anything they can do. I guess for now I'll experiment with different proxy sites and see if I can find one I like better.

[MadTripper]

What kind of internet service do you have? Even if it's dial up, it shouldn't be that slow. Here are a few tips to try for the time being:

1. Open up a command prompt, start>>run; type in cmd and hit enter. At the prompt, type the following less the quotes "ipconfig /flushdns"
2. Download and run some spyware removal tools. I prefer both AdAware by Lavasoft and Spybot Search and Destroy. They are both free for personal use and can be found at http://www.download.com

Overall, I think its crazy that a proxy is faster than your direct connection. This really leads me to believe it is something with your isp. Is there any chance you could hook up another computer at your house and check the site through it?

[gunslinger2006]

I have DSL through centurytel. I got it earlier this year and that is when I began to have trouble with backwoodshome.com. I use both spybot and AdAware, plus Windows Defender. I don't think I'll have the opportunity to hook up another computer here. I'm going to call tech support Monday. Thanks for all the help!

[Ocala]

Maybe BHM blocked your IP address or your provider for some strange reason.

Also could be a browser hijacking
Could also try firefox browser :
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/
if you use internet explorer, you could download firefox and you actually may like it better.

Anti-virus
I recommend www.avast.com is a free anti-virus that will find the win32 virus if you have it as well , HOME version is free..

[gunslinger2006]

I do use firefox and use AVG. I don't think it is a virus or malware, though it may be, I think it is something to do with my ISP. This is the only site that I have been on so far that I have this problem with.

[MadTripper]

I've been running Anti-Vir for a free antivirus lately. It seems to be working well.

Good luck with your troubleshooting and if you need any additional help, give yell.

Tripper

[DV8]

Try Hide.IP.Platinum's free trial. if that works for you I have a key from my old pc that you can have as I no longer use it.

Find the program here:

http://www.soft32.com/download_102515.html

[gunslinger2006]

Thanks DV8, I'm still using proxydevil as I never got around to calling my ISP about it. It works well enough and I don't get on the site too often anyway.