There are a number of possible reasons why you may not be able to access a secure site:
Your modem router settings are incorrect
If you are having problems connecting to secure sites like MSN, Online banking, Ebay and others you may need to change the MTU size on your modem router.
Restricted access
These are some websites that are intended for use by a limited number of people. An example of this would be a banking site that allows customers to view their account details yet prevents others from accessing it. The only way to view this type of site is to get a log-in from the owners of the site.
Incorrect log-in
When you sign in to a secure site, you are generally asked to identify yourself. This is often done using a user name and password (the same as you do with AOL). If you mistype the information (for example, mistyping the password), the site should deny you access. If you are denied access to a site, there are a number of things you can check:
- Make sure you have the correct user name (or identification) and password
- Make sure your keyboard is responding correctly (try typing the information in Notepad)
- Restart the computer and see if that helps
- Contact the owner of the site to verify your log-in details.
Check your version of Internet Explorer
You must be using Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher. By default if you are running AOL 9.0 VR and/or Windows XP you will already have Internet Explorer 6.0.
To check your version of Internet Explorer:
1. Open Internet Explorer using the icon on the desktop or by clicking Start, All Programs and Internet Explorer.
2. Click Help on the toolbar, then click About Internet Explorer.
3. Check the Version number. This should be 6.0 or higher.
4. Check the Cipher Strength. This should be 128-bit or higher.
If you are not running Internet Explorer 6.0
When checking the version number of Internet Explorer, click the update link and follow the on-screen instructions to upgrade your current version of Internet Explorer. If you do not have 128-bit encryption, install a copy of AOL 9.0 that will upgrade your Internet Explorer to 128-bit encryption.
Visit AOL Keyword: Secure fix
1. Sign on using your AOL software.
2. Visit AOL Keyword: Secure Fix.
3. Restart the AOL software and try to access a secure website.
Check Parental Controls
1. Sign on to the AOL software and visit http://parentalcontrols.aol.co.uk.
2. Click the Screen Name that is having trouble accessing secure sites. If this includes all your screen names, then each one will need to be checked individually.
3. Click Edit Web Control. Ensure that General (18+), Allows Access to All Web sites (Recommended for adults only) is ticked, and click Save.
4. Click OK.
5. Click Close and try to access a secure website.
If you have tried all the steps above and still have problems accessing secure sites, please try the troubleshooting steps listed on the right.
