Author Topic: ISP Can't Find Site Since Changeover (Read 10205 times)

Caz · « **on:** December 22, 2009, 10:18 »

When I'm at work I still can't find the "new" site since it was moved. I used to get the holding version of the old site, now just an error message to say the site can't be found. I know that there was an issue with having to wait for all the ISPs to update, but it's been a really long time now. I can only access here on my home ISP. Is there something I can do to by-pass waiting for the ISP to update (assuming they ever do) ? Am I the only one with this issue (although I suppose others having the same problem might not have access to an alternative ISP & so can't post

)

leaf · « **Reply #1 on:** December 22, 2009, 10:21 »

yeah, you can use Google DNS instead of the one provided by your ISP

http://code.google.com/speed/public-dns/docs/using.html

It is frustrating that it still is in 'limbo'. I still get locked out some times but usually only for an hour or two. Hopefully things are back to normal before the new year.

ap · « **Reply #2 on:** December 22, 2009, 13:40 »

hey, caz, i remember you from the holding area.

i'm glad you made it through at least once. here's another thread where others had also found problems getting on the new site and some solutions. http://www.microstockgroup.com/site-related/glitch-or-me/

borg · « **Reply #3 on:** December 22, 2009, 15:04 »

I can't open this site with Mozilla Firefox, but with Opera works fine, very strange...

Caz · « **Reply #4 on:** December 23, 2009, 11:26 »

Thanks guys. Since I posted I wasn't able to open the site with my home ISP either. I was just inspired to try with IE instead of Firefox, and hey presto here I am. I'm not intending to start using IE or changing my settings though

so I guess I'll just read less and work more until it all eventually sorts itself out

KB · « **Reply #5 on:** December 23, 2009, 11:41 »

I can access the site fine during the day, but it seems that every night I get locked out (same computer day and night).

I sure hope it fixes itself soon.

eyeCatchLight · « **Reply #6 on:** December 25, 2009, 07:16 »

I am not sure if it is still the same problem,
but you can edit your hosts file and force that the new IPs are used for the microstockgroup site:

Open C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

and insert the following:

205.134.239.191 microstockgroup.com
205.134.239.191 blog.microstockgroup.com
205.134.239.191 www.microstockgroup.com

You must open this file as an admin I think to be able to edit it.

This IP is the address of the new server.

Simone

Dan · « **Reply #7 on:** December 25, 2009, 07:44 »

I still get a "broken link" type message 50% of the time

KB · « **Reply #8 on:** January 04, 2010, 10:52 »

This is STILL happening to me every day in the evening or at night.

It's frustrating! Is it ever going to get fixed?

It's a new decade, after all.

FD · « **Reply #9 on:** January 04, 2010, 10:56 »

Quote from: KB on January 04, 2010, 10:52

This is STILL happening to me every day in the evening or at night.

Same here. Sometimes twice per day.

camera shy · « **Reply #10 on:** January 04, 2010, 11:00 »

Me too....I can usually get in for an hour or so either morning or night, but only once a day. I never know when it will click in.

camera shy · « **Reply #11 on:** January 04, 2010, 16:41 »

Quote from: simsi on December 25, 2009, 07:16

I am not sure if it is still the same problem,
but you can edit your hosts file and force that the new IPs are used for the microstockgroup site:

Open C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

and insert the following:

205.134.239.191 microstockgroup.com
205.134.239.191 blog.microstockgroup.com
205.134.239.191 www.microstockgroup.com

You must open this file as an admin I think to be able to edit it.

This IP is the address of the new server.

Simone

Thanks Simone, it worked for me!

KB · « **Reply #12 on:** January 05, 2010, 10:04 »

Quote from: camera shy on January 04, 2010, 16:41

Quote from: simsi on December 25, 2009, 07:16
I am not sure if it is still the same problem,
but you can edit your hosts file and force that the new IPs are used for the microstockgroup site:

Open C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

and insert the following:

205.134.239.191 microstockgroup.com
205.134.239.191 blog.microstockgroup.com
205.134.239.191 www.microstockgroup.com

You must open this file as an admin I think to be able to edit it.

This IP is the address of the new server.

Simone

Thanks Simone, it worked for me!

I will try this as well, since yesterday a few hours after posting my complaint, I was locked out for the ENTIRE DAY.

It was almost as if I had complained on an FT forum.

ETA: Well, perhaps it's simply a coincidence (like complaining here and then losing access all day?!), but for the first time in a month, I have access to MSG at night.

Thank you, Simone! I owe you one.

borg · « **Reply #13 on:** January 08, 2010, 04:46 »

Quote from: KB on December 23, 2009, 11:41

I can access the site fine during the day, but it seems that every night I get locked out (same computer day and night).

I sure hope it fixes itself soon.

Me too, still!

KB · « **Reply #14 on:** January 08, 2010, 11:17 »

Quote from: borg on January 08, 2010, 04:46

Quote from: KB on December 23, 2009, 11:41
I can access the site fine during the day, but it seems that every night I get locked out (same computer day and night).

I sure hope it fixes itself soon.

Me too, still!

If you're on a Windows system, try modifying the Hosts file as described above. I haven't had a single outage since I did.

eyeCatchLight · « **Reply #15 on:** January 11, 2010, 04:33 »

Also on Linux, you can edit the /etc/hosts file. For mac I don't know, but I am sure there is also a way.

eyeCatchLight · « **Reply #16 on:** January 11, 2010, 10:20 »

so for the mac I found it works like this:

http://practice.chatserve.com/hosts.html

or

http://support.apple.com/kb/TA27291

(and you need to add the hosts in the post above).

Simone

leaf · « **Reply #17 on:** January 12, 2010, 03:03 »

thanks for the problem solving. I hope it gets fixed soon too. I still get kicked out once in a while as well, although it usually only seems for a few seconds or minutes.

eyeCatchLight · « **Reply #18 on:** January 15, 2010, 10:57 »

OK so I thought I'd make a small summary of the hosts procedure. If you are interested in what is happening, read this paragraph - otherwise just skip it and go directly to the procedure below.

Explanation:

Essentially the problem here is the DNS (Domain Name Service). It is usually used to map internet domain name addresses (such as google.com) to IPs (such as 192.168.1.0). So whenever you type www.google.com into your browser, the DNS looks for the IP, and only then can the webpage be opened, because the computers and machines only understand numbers, but for us users it would be kind of hard to remember all those IP addresses instead of memorizable words.
Now there is not only one such DNS server/lookup table in the whole internet, because it would be very slow if all the time for any user it would look in the same table on the same server. Poor server. That's why there are copies all around the world in different DNS servers.
So when you move a site, it means that you keep your same domain name but want to point it to another IP address. This is first stored in only one DNS server, the one of your hosting service, and only with time the new information propagates to all other DNS servers all over the world. Usually it takes about 24-72 hours, but it can also take longer.
It seems that in our particular case there is something like this going on, so that sometimes when you open www.microstockgroup.com, you open the old IP address and get sent to the old address.

So, essentially what you can do is entering the IP numeric address of the microstockgroup site into your own computer, so that the computer doesn't even ask the DNS servers for the IP address but directly takes this information from a file in your computer. This file is called hosts file, and when you enter the correspondence of the microstockgroup website's domain name and its IP into this file, it should theoretically always take you to the right page.

Procedure:

Windows:

1) Navigate to C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts. First of all make a backup of the HOSTS file, which means copy it and save it as HOSTS.bak or similar.

2) You can open the file with Notepad (in Windows) or any other simple text editor.

Win XP:
Open Notepad when you are an administrative user on the computer.
Win Vista / Win 7:
Open Notepad with Administrative privileges by clicking Start, All Programs, Accessories, and then right-click Notepad and select to open as Administrator.

3) In Notepad, choose File-Open and navigate to the path of the hosts file at C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts and open the file.

4) Add the following lines:

205.134.239.191 microstockgroup.com
205.134.239.191 blog.microstockgroup.com
205.134.239.191 www.microstockgroup.com

5) Click save.

6) Reboot.

Linux:

Open /etc/hosts as root:
sudo gedit /etc/hosts in Ubuntu for example

and insert the following:

205.134.239.191 microstockgroup.com
205.134.239.191 blog.microstockgroup.com
205.134.239.191 www.microstockgroup.com

No need to reboot usually.

Mac:

Mac OS X 10.2 or later:

On OS 10.5.8 Leopard:
Log on with admin rights.
At the top menu bar, use the Go menu.
Go > go to folder > type /private/etc
Find the hosts file (there are a couple, you only want just plain hosts) Drag it to your desktop. Double click to open (will open in TextEdit)
Add microstock groups IP addresses:

205.134.239.191 microstockgroup.com
205.134.239.191 blog.microstockgroup.com
205.134.239.191 www.microstockgroup.com

Save your file on the desktop with no extension
Drag file back to etc folder
It will say it can't be overwritten, but there is an Authenticate button. Click that. Enter your password. Done.

A detailed different description for OS X 10.5 is given here: http://rag.nu/2008/07/06/edit-hosts-file-in-mac-os-x-105-leopard/

Mac OS X 10.0 through 10.1.5:
follow description in http://support.apple.com/kb/TA27291

cathyslife · « **Reply #19 on:** January 15, 2010, 13:43 »

Thanks simsi I'll give that a try.

cathyslife · « **Reply #20 on:** January 25, 2010, 16:15 »

Well, I'm sorry to say adding the host IPs to my host file didn't really correct the problem. This afternoon I couldn't get on.

RacePhoto · « **Reply #21 on:** January 25, 2010, 17:42 »

Quote from: cclapper on January 25, 2010, 16:15

Well, I'm sorry to say adding the host IPs to my host file didn't really correct the problem. This afternoon I couldn't get on.

Pretty funny. I went to a hotel with wireless yesterday to watch the playoffs and I couldn't get into the site. Not found same as you. I went in and added the Google public DNS server in the IPTC settings and guess what? No luck, no access.

Same computer and location where I have been reading the forum on Sundays for a month.

I love reading the help files that claim it will be picked up in 24 to 48 hours. OK has it been 48 hours yet?

Now I've gone to adding a text file on my website with the instructions, help and IP address for the site. It doesn't help to have it on the forums when I can't read them. Next time I'll download from my own site and try a direct link and see if that works.

"This is another fine mess you've gotten us into Tyler"

ap · « **Reply #22 on:** January 25, 2010, 18:14 »

just a thought here...i use two separate isps, one connected via ethernet and the other through wifi. it's only the latter that i have a problem with on occasion. could it be that most of you having problems are connected through wifi or that could be the source of problem.

i'm totally technically challenged, so just throwing out a thought...

eyeCatchLight · « **Reply #23 on:** January 25, 2010, 18:19 »

Quote from: ap on January 25, 2010, 18:14

just a thought here...i use two separate isps, one connected via ethernet and the other through wifi. it's only the latter that i have a problem with on occasion. could it be that most of you having problems are connected through wifi or that could be the source of problem.

i'm totally technically challenged, so just throwing out a thought...

well if it is two different ISPs they use two different DNS servers, and one could have the correct IP stored and the other not, so that is indeed possible. if you do the hosts-file thing it should be ok with both.

eyeCatchLight · « **Reply #24 on:** January 25, 2010, 18:22 »

Quote from: RacePhoto on January 25, 2010, 17:42

Pretty funny. I went to a hotel with wireless yesterday to watch the playoffs and I couldn't get into the site. Not found same as you. I went in and added the Google public DNS server in the IPTC settings and guess what? No luck, no access.

Maybe the hotel net doesn't allow you to use another DNS server. They sometimes have all sorts of restrictions because it's a public and hence more risky place. But it is just a guess.
Did you try the hosts file? I think that way it should work.

eyeCatchLight · « **Reply #25 on:** January 25, 2010, 18:27 »

Quote from: cclapper on January 25, 2010, 16:15

Well, I'm sorry to say adding the host IPs to my host file didn't really correct the problem. This afternoon I couldn't get on.

hmmmm that is weird. as long as it's just once or so maybe it's another problem not related to the hosts file.
sometimes it is possible that antispyware alters the hosts file because some malicious programs may use it to redirect you to their sites. maybe you installed something new.

Suljo · « **Reply #26 on:** January 25, 2010, 19:23 »

Heh
its wired to me (access to forum from home) while on my job it was to smoothly that I dont realize that.
Mostly I looking forum from job but after month or so from home comp I cant access to forum.
I restart router, safari but nothing helps. I dont try to google forum after all restarts I allways try with bookmarks.
When try to Google Microstock group forum and after pressing link it was blank screen?!?

RacePhoto · « **Reply #27 on:** January 25, 2010, 19:23 »

Quote from: simsi on January 25, 2010, 18:27

Quote from: cclapper on January 25, 2010, 16:15
Well, I'm sorry to say adding the host IPs to my host file didn't really correct the problem. This afternoon I couldn't get on.

hmmmm that is weird. as long as it's just once or so maybe it's another problem not related to the hosts file.
sometimes it is possible that antispyware alters the hosts file because some malicious programs may use it to redirect you to their sites. maybe you installed something new.

Maybe the hotel I was at has some aggressive anti-spyware or hijacking protection software running on it, which does that? I've used the same computer with no changes in three different locations, no problems. Yesterday I was on and then all of a sudden it was looking for the old site again, and I couldn't get to MSG. Next time I'll take a second laptop and see what happens, just for entertainment.

When I manually added the 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 it should have picked it up. I also shut down and re-started just in case the Network settings needed to reload.

Pretty mysterious, and no big deal. If I had the answer I'd share it, but wasn't the internet supposed to pick this up about a month ago?

leaf · « **Reply #28 on:** January 26, 2010, 03:20 »

this is getting frustrating!

I just tried a tracert and ping on microstockgroup.com when it wasn't working - but then they both were successful in cmd ... i went back to firefox and it was still down! BUT, when I typed in the ip address

http://205.134.239.191/~microsto/

the site came up and then after that it was working again... DAHHhhhhhh.... I guess I'll wait for it to disappear and try that tracert thing again to make double sure that it is still being sent wrongly to the old server or if there is another problem. I am open to suggestions.

leaf · « **Reply #29 on:** January 26, 2010, 04:48 »

Ok, I have done some more fiddling with settings and maybe got one thing fixed today by my server provider. let me know if anything improved or if you are still getting locked out once in a while.

cathyslife · « **Reply #30 on:** January 26, 2010, 07:09 »

Quote

sometimes it is possible that antispyware alters the hosts file because some malicious programs may use it to redirect you to their sites. maybe you installed something new.

No, nothing new installed, I'm on a Mac, don't run spyware. The problem isn't with my computer at all and there is nothing more I'm going to do to remedy the problem. The problem is with the new ISP Leaf is using and I don't know how to troubleshoot that and I certainly don't know how to fix it. If the ISP doesn't know how to fix it, then it is what it is.

leaf · « **Reply #31 on:** January 26, 2010, 10:26 »

Quote from: cclapper on January 26, 2010, 07:09

Quote
sometimes it is possible that antispyware alters the hosts file because some malicious programs may use it to redirect you to their sites. maybe you installed something new.

No, nothing new installed, I'm on a Mac, don't run spyware. The problem isn't with my computer at all and there is nothing more I'm going to do to remedy the problem. The problem is with the new ISP Leaf is using and I don't know how to troubleshoot that and I certainly don't know how to fix it. If the ISP doesn't know how to fix it, then it is what it is.

ISP stands for internet service provider (sorry if you know this already... some people might not) which is the company who is supplying your internet, someone like Comcast, Rogers, At&T, a cable company etc. They store where to send you when you type in microstockgroup.com (which IP address to send you to) If their address for microstockgroup.com isn't correct there is nothing that I can do to fix the problem. The reason you can do something about it (if that is indeed the problem) is because instead of going to Comcast to get the IP address you tell your computer where microstockgroup is yourself, or you go to google to get the IP address (using google dns service).

anyhow - weather it is the DNS settings that are indeed the problem is still a little unknown. I tried fixing a few more things on microstockgroup's end today, it would be great if that fixed the problem and things were ironed out by tommorow. Here's to wishful thinking.

Dan · « **Reply #32 on:** January 26, 2010, 14:54 »

Several times a day i can't get in. Different times each day. i'll have to try those ideas.

leaf · « **Reply #33 on:** January 26, 2010, 15:39 »

Quote from: Dan on January 26, 2010, 14:54

Several times a day i can't get in. Different times each day. i'll have to try those ideas.

I am still having problems. I guess i'll wait and see how it is tomorrow and go back to the host if there is still a problem.

runamock · « **Reply #34 on:** January 26, 2010, 15:49 »

It's been fine for me for a few weeks after a bad start. But now I'm getting problems again.

RacePhoto · « **Reply #35 on:** January 26, 2010, 19:31 »

Quote from: runamock on January 26, 2010, 15:49

It's been fine for me for a few weeks after a bad start. But now I'm getting problems again.

That's what happened to me at the hotel. Worked fine for two months then I was on, left to read something on a different site, came back it was gone.

Added this to my online sheet for myself.

Yes, I blame the free high-speed Internet at the hotel not Leaf. Their DNS list must be updating with the wrong information from time to time. Never had a problem with my AT&T connection at work.

Whatever it is, were you bald before this started Leaf?

ap · « **Reply #36 on:** January 26, 2010, 21:12 »

i miss the graveyard. at least there was a place to hang out if you can't hang here.

eyeCatchLight · « **Reply #37 on:** January 26, 2010, 23:19 »

Quote from: ap on January 26, 2010, 21:12

i miss the graveyard.

lol..... yeah maybe we should revive the graveyard....

leaf · « **Reply #38 on:** January 27, 2010, 02:05 »

Quote from: simsi on January 26, 2010, 23:19

Quote from: ap on January 26, 2010, 21:12
i miss the graveyard.

lol..... yeah maybe we should revive the graveyard....

haha.. you know I actually tried 2 days ago - but the company hosting the old server wouldn't let me.

ap · « **Reply #39 on:** January 27, 2010, 02:48 »

good try, leaf...

those were amusing days, sjlock's uncensored swearing, the bewilderment, the befuddlement, the back and forth, wondering who'll end up there to keep you company...for once, people actually stopped talking about microstock.

sam100 · « **Reply #40 on:** January 27, 2010, 17:29 »

For the first time since the server change I was able to access the site the whole day...

not a single time out or dns problem.

Patrick H.

Oldhand · « **Reply #41 on:** January 28, 2010, 06:30 »

Ditto - I've been out since the change over, and it's first time in for me today. Funnily enough, or maybe coincidence, I had to disable my autocomplete on the windows XP internet toolbar yesterday, although I have no idea if this helped at all.

Oldhand

leaf · « **Reply #42 on:** January 28, 2010, 06:35 »

yeah, it has been working perfectly for me today too. Perhaps the last errors weren't so much the ISP problems as the server problems that appeared to have gotten fixed. Either way, it is refreshing that it actually works now.

Tomboy2290 · « **Reply #43 on:** January 28, 2010, 14:34 »

Yes, thank you Leaf! I have been able to get here for two whole days now . . .

cathyslife · « **Reply #44 on:** January 28, 2010, 15:16 »

so far, so good for me, too for 2 days

eyeCatchLight · « **Reply #45 on:** January 28, 2010, 16:03 »

yeeeeaaahh!

let's hope for the best!

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Author Topic: ISP Can't Find Site Since Changeover (Read 10205 times)

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