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Cannot load individual websites; Googling is fine, but URL comes up with a 404 error.

  • 2 replies
  • 1 has this problem
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  • Last reply by cor-el

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Since I updated Firefox, it seems my internet connectivity in that browser has dropped. I can Google things (not in the URL box, but in the Google box) perfectly, with the exception that sometimes the link clicked from Google doesn't load. However, I cannot actually visit an individual site by entering the URL. If I directly enter the URL, it comes up with a 404 error, site not found. If I try to navigate to some pages from a Google, it comes up with a connectivity problem page. I would really like to be able to use my Firefox again. In the meantime, I'll have to use Google Chrome.

Since I updated Firefox, it seems my internet connectivity in that browser has dropped. I can Google things (not in the URL box, but in the Google box) perfectly, with the exception that sometimes the link clicked from Google doesn't load. However, I cannot actually visit an individual site by entering the URL. If I directly enter the URL, it comes up with a 404 error, site not found. If I try to navigate to some pages from a Google, it comes up with a connectivity problem page. I would really like to be able to use my Firefox again. In the meantime, I'll have to use Google Chrome.

All Replies (2)

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Try clearing Firefox's cookies and cache

Do these steps and then reload the website you're having trouble with.

  • Click the menu button New Fx Menu , choose History and select Clear Recent History....
  • In the Time Range to clear: drop-down, select Everything.
  • Click the arrow next to Details to display the list of items that can be cleared.
  • Select both Cookies and Cache.
  • Click Clear Now.


Moreover, normally such issues are caused by a firewall/security software which doesn't recognize & therefore blocks new firefox versions:Fix problems connecting to websites after updating Firefox


Also see:

Firefox can't load websites but other browsers can

Websites don't load - troubleshoot and fix error messages

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It is possible that your security software (firewall, anti-virus) blocks or restricts Firefox or the plugin-container process without informing you, possibly after detecting changes (update) to the Firefox program.

Remove all rules for Firefox and the plugin-container from the permissions list in the firewall and let your firewall ask again for permission to get full, unrestricted, access to internet for Firefox and the plugin-container process and the updater process.

See: