I cant access secure sites XP User PLEASE HELP

[dore33]

I cannot access any secure sites...when i try I get the page cannot be displayed...I clean out my temp files, history, and cookies bi weekly...my level is set to medium, I even tried low...I have ran adaware and spybot and this actually cleaned up 2 other problems I have had but not this one...example I can order something online and then when I go to checkout I get the page cannot be displayed..I checked with my cable company and they said all looks ok on their end...If I try to download another web browser it says I am not connected...If anyone can help i would greatly appreciate it...thanks ...

[jmatt]

ssl has to be ticked in your options in IE & your firewall

[dore33]

not to sound stupid but I'm not great at computers...where in options do I find that? also what is SSL? Thanks alot...

[Accessdabbler]

Open IE, go to TOOLS > Internet Options > Advanced and scroll to bottom of list. Options there are for SSL, TLS, etc. Make sure they are all on.

SSL and TLS are encryption algorithms that make sure your communication with the other computer is secured.

[dore33]

They are both checked off already...any other ideas? Thanks

[Accessdabbler]

You probably have a setting in your XP firewall that is causing the problem. I don't have XP so I don't know where the options for the firewall are.

[greely99]

Open IE and click Help, About Internet Explorer Look at Chiper Strength it should be 128 bit.  To get to the fire wall settings Start - Connect To - Show All Connections. Select the connection for the internet - Proerties - Advanced - Learn more about Internet Connection Firewall.

[dore33]

Chiper is 128...I went to connection the path you gave me before I dont have that as an option in my start menu...I went to connections and I found help there but nothing is showing up for this issue...Thanks

[Larry]

Are all Windows XP updates installed?  Larry

[shacksbebe]

I am having this same problem on my machine running XP.  I have checked all the tasks that Larry suggested but still not able to get onto secure sites.  i am currently trying to download updates for XP and am now getting error message from Microsoft regarding the download.
I think I solved this same problem a few months back by reloading XP on my machine (which caused other problems....)
any suggestions out there? many thanks!

[shacksbebe]

   Microsoft helpline fixed the problem.  She had me Delete Cookies, Delete Files and Clear History from the Tools, Internet Options, General tab (which Larry had suggested)

But THIS IS WHAT I think FIXED IT.....Then she had me UNCHECK the box for Enable Third Party Browser Extensions in the Advanced Section (all other setting in Advanced Section are set to Default).  I had to click "Apply" then reboot my computer.   Now Secure Sites are coming up again.
I hope this helps you.  

[bowj]

I unchecked that enable thing, but it didn't work for me.  Can anyone else suggest what I might try?

Thanks

[Larry]

Did you do all of the other things suggested in this topic?  Larry

[Ringo]

I also suddenly couldn't access secure sites in early February. I've spent much time on help lines with my bank and my Internet provider and have done all the steps suggested here and then some. I am ready to format and start over.
Ringo

[Larry]

I saw a notification on this recently and it might be what changed: A security update is available that modifies the default behavior of Internet Explorer for handling user information in HTTP and in HTTPS URLs.

Instead of formatting and reinstalling Windows XP, you might be able to restore it back to a restore point before the problem arose... Start, Help, Undo changes to your computer with System Restore.

How to Repair and Reinstall IE 6

Larry