Page cannot be displayed

If Internet Explorer displays an error message “page cannot be displayed” when attempting to surf the Internet, there are many reasons why this could happen.  It may be temporary due to maintenance at a particular website or unusual heavy usage at that website.  Verify that this problem occurs on different days at different times.

Below are two links that discuss the problem in more detail:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/926431
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/community/columns/ietopten.mspx

1. Type a valid URL in the Address Bar, i.e. www.google.com , www.microsoft.com
2. NFN changed IP settings on July 17, 2008.  Verify that your settings are up to date for each user on your computer.  See FAQ “What are the Basic Server Settings” and “Proper DNS Settings”.
3. In Internet Explorer, Click on “Tools” and then “Internet Options”.  Under the “General” Tab click “Delete History”, then clear Temporary Files, History and Cookies.  Refresh the browser and try the website again.
4. In Internet Explorer, Click on “Tools” and then “Internet Options”.  Click the “Connections” Tab and verify there is only one NFN account listed under Dial-up and Virtual Private Network Settings.  Delete all others unless there are multiple account holders on the same computer.  If there are other accounts, make sure NFN is listed as the default account.  “Always dial my default connection” or “Never dial a connection” should be checked.  If the user has both dialup and DSL, “Never dial a connection” should be checked.
5. For Premium account holders who have installed the NFN Accelerator:
   Click on the NFN account to highlight it and then click on “Settings” to the right.  In NFN Settings, verify the Proxy Settings. If Accelerator is active (Enabled) both of the boxes should be checked, and when “Advanced” is clicked the proxy settings should read http:  Address “local host” and Port “8080”  The Accelerator can be disabled by right clicking on the NFN Accelerator Icon in the lower tray near the time, and then clicking on “Disable”.  If Accelerator has been uninstalled, verify that the proxy boxes are unchecked.  See also NFN Acccelerator FAQ on our FAQ pages.
6. Previous Premium account holders who no longer use Accelerator and have upgraded to high speed DSL should verify that Proxy checkmarks are removed under both dialup and LAN TCP/IP settings.  If users deleted their dialup connection (we recommend that users on NFN DSL keep their NFN dialup connection and not delete it), search for proxy checkmarks under the LAN settings and uncheck the boxes if found checked.
7. Do a complete scan of your computer with your anti-virus/spyware software to verify your computer is not infected.   It may be possible that anti-virus or firewall security software  is interfering with browsing activity.  After doing a complete scan, you may wish to temporarily disable any anti-virus program or Firewall temporarily to see if  browsing ability has been restored.  Zone Alarm is known to have caused some issues with a particular update.  If you use Zone Alarm as a firewall, disable Zone Alarm and enable Windows Firewall.  If surfing activity is restored and Zone Alarm was the reason, you may need to either update Zone Alarm, or uninstall and re-install Zone Alarm.
8. Previously deleted old anti-virus programs such as Norton/Symantec may still have files left behind.  In Control Panel, access Add/Remove programs and remove any old anti-virus programs not being used.
9. Close out all programs and Reboot after each of these steps.  Be sure to do a complete Shut Down, not a Restart.  If on high speed DSL, you may also want to turn your DSL modem off, wait a moment, and turn it back on (rebooting the modem). Pull the power supply cord out of the modem (or unplug at the outlet) and wait a moment before replugging.  If on high speed DSL make sure your LAN is enabled in Network Settings.  Be patient.  Sometimes it could take 2 complete shutdowns and powering off the modem.
10. If on Dial-Up, check your speed.  A too-slow speed (low 20s or such) can easily be the problem.  Try plugging into another phone outlet to see if your speed increases. It should be at least in the 40s and preferably higher.
11. Are you trying to go from a nonsecure website (http) to a secure website (https)?  If so, you may need to check your security settings and add the new site to your trusted sites zone.  If you have a VISTA operating system, try turning your User Access Control (UAC) off. 
12. Does this only happen in Internet Explorer and not in the alternative browsers such as Firefox, Chrome, Opera?  It may have to do with a recent Microsoft update and shutting down may install any final updates.  It may also have to do with I.E.’s security settings.