Startpage Search Engine
This problem exists ONLY on Firefox. I vary search engines, from DuckDuckGo to Presearch and Startpage depending on the search results I get.
For no apparent reason I will get a "suspended connection" message on Startpage while using the Firefox browser. I have included both the link and a screenshot of the problematic page. The page will open perfectly several times, and then suddenly, in the same session, if I open a new Startpage tab, this message will appear. While the suspended connection message is visible in Firefox / Startpage, I will try Startpage in Edge, Opera, Chrome and Midori, and they all open to the Starpage beautifully.
I am using the Firefox 125.0.3 browser, I have cleared caches and cookies, and run full malware scans, with zero negative results, and yet this problem persists. It is sporadic, and does not occur on a predictable basis. It occurs whether the Mozilla VPN is on or not, and switching from on to off or off to on changes nothing, even after refreshing the page.
I am assuming that this is a Firefox issue, as the problem does not occur on other browsers
I can easily switch browsers and / or search engines, but Firefox in conjuction with Startpage is my preferred combo. I just find it frustrating in that I cannot fix it myself.
So....Ehhhh...what's up doc?
Chosen solution
StartPage finally found the answer. To make a long story short, I was using the Firefox browser in conjunction with the Mozilla VPN and StartPage search engine, but StartPage would sporadically suspend my connection, and prevent any further use of StartPage.
It turns out that StartPage scans IP addresses and blocks any that are associated with bots. The IP address that the Moxilla VPN was using was being shared with a bot, and thus suspended across the board. A change of VPN servers or IP address will clear the suspension.
That explains what was happening and why, but it doesn't explain why the problem occurred ONLY on the Firefox browser. I used the same VPN in conjunction with StartPage on Edge, Opera, DuckDuckGo, Chromium and Midori, and never once had a problem.
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I don't know whether there are any useful clues in that URL.
How are you opening the new Startpage tab? Just going to the home page using the address bar or a bookmark?
It doesn't matter whether I use a bookmark, the URL via another search engine, or input via the address bar, the results are the same. I submitted a report to Startpage, and at least they acknowledged it. (see attached screenshot) but I'm still In connection "suspenders". lol I'm sure a reboot would clear the problem, but that's a tad laborious just for one search engine. I threw the URL in just to cover all my bases. The screenshot says it all anyway. Thanks for the response. It's appreciated.
Can you access the site in a private window (Ctrl+Shift+P)? If clearing cache/cookies doesn't help, that probably won't either, unless the problem is linked to an add-on that only runs in regular (non-private) windows.
I realize it's not possible right now, but I wonder if it would better to add Startpage as an address bar search engine. When you can access the site, right-click the address bar and then click Add "Startpage search" at the bottom of the context menu. Maybe they will complain less if you are sending searches that way?
I just rebooted. That reset Startpage and it's working as it should now. I followed your suggestion and instructions re private window. It's working in the private window as well, but I will have to wait to see if I get locked out again to see if that works. It's not a big issue, but annoying that I can't figure it out. I'm not sure why rebooting clears it. In the meantime, there are plenty of search engines and browsers that I can use instead of the Firefox / Startpage combo. In fact, any of the other search engines I use within Firefox all work perfectly, and Startpage has acknowledged that there is an issue. Thanks again for your help. Always good to have other set of eyes on the situation.
Chosen Solution
StartPage finally found the answer. To make a long story short, I was using the Firefox browser in conjunction with the Mozilla VPN and StartPage search engine, but StartPage would sporadically suspend my connection, and prevent any further use of StartPage.
It turns out that StartPage scans IP addresses and blocks any that are associated with bots. The IP address that the Moxilla VPN was using was being shared with a bot, and thus suspended across the board. A change of VPN servers or IP address will clear the suspension.
That explains what was happening and why, but it doesn't explain why the problem occurred ONLY on the Firefox browser. I used the same VPN in conjunction with StartPage on Edge, Opera, DuckDuckGo, Chromium and Midori, and never once had a problem.