You may not be able to access secure sites for any one of several reasons. After trying the first solution, check to see if you can access a secure web site. If you are still unable to access secure sites, continue using the suggested solutions until the problem is fixed.
You may wish to print or save a copy of these instructions as this page may not remain visible as you go through the suggested steps.
Information you need
You will need to know what version of the Microsoft Windows operating system is installed on your computer. If you do not know how to find this information, follow the instructions in the online help article entitled How to determine which version of windows I have.
Clear the browser cache
When you browse the web, graphics and text are downloaded to your computer. These files are known as Temporary Internet Files and are stored in the browser cache. Eventually these files may become damaged and cause pages to load incorrectly, or they may just build up and need to be cleared out. Depending on the number of stored files, clearing the cache may take a few minutes.
To clear the browser cache:
1. Right-click the AOL icon in your Windows system tray (at the bottom right-hand corner of your screen, next to your PC's clock).
2. Select System Information.
3. Click the Utilities tab.
4. Click on Clear Browser Cache.
5. Click the X in the top right hand corner to close the system information window.
Reset web settings in Internet Explorer
Resetting the web settings for Internet Explorer will restore the default programs that are used to access the internet.
To reset web settings in Internet Explorer:
1. Click Start, then Settings and Control Panel.
Windows XP/Vista users: Click Start, then Control Panel.
2. Double-click Internet Options.
Windows XP/Vista users may need to click Switch to Classic View first.
3. Click the Programs tab on the top of the Internet Options window.
4. Click the Reset Web Settings button and then click Yes.
5. Click OK to apply the changes and exit Internet Options.
Restore the Internet Explorer security settings
The web browser's security settings tab lets you regulate security for local sites, trusted sites, and restricted sites. Restoring the settings to a default level will remove any restrictions placed on website access.
To restore the Internet Explorer security settings:
1. Click on Start, then Settings and Control Panel .
Windows XP users: Click Start and then Control Panel.
2. Double-click Internet Options
Windows XP users may need to click Switch to Classic View first.
3. Click the Security tab.
4. In security settings select the Zone which you want to set the default settings for and click on the Default level button.
Click on Apply and then OK.
