Can't access any secure (https://) sites

Question

I have a Gateway laptop running Windows 7 Home Premium. Whenever I try to access a secure site (any site that begins with https://), the site will not load. It does this in both of the browsers I have installed (Google Chrome and Internet Explorer). I can, however, access secure sites when I boot in Safe Mode or when I use the Guest account.

Any help on fixing this problem would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Hi 7h3C4k3154L13,

Sometimes disabling antivirus isn't sufficient. Also, since the problem didn't occur in safe mode with networking, it's most likely related to one of the software installed on the computer, including your antivirus. As such, here are few things you can try to fix the issue.

1.    Completely uninstall Avast from the computer. Use this utility to do so.

 http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility 

You can always reinstall it back from the setup file or by downloading from Avast download center.

http://www.avast.com/security-software-home-office

2.    If the above step fails, perform clean boot. This will help in determining which particular application is causing the problem. Refer: How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7

Find additional troubleshooting steps for Internet Explorer here: You cannot view a secure Web site in Internet Explorer 8

Notes:

ü Running the computer without firewall or the anti-virus software is a potential threat to the computer; make sure to enable the security software after completing the troubleshooting steps and after identifying the issue.

ü Ensure that you put your computer back to normal startup mode after completing the troubleshooting steps. Steps are available in the article given above. 

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Regards,

Shinmila H - Microsoft Support

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Answer 2

Hi 7h3C4k3154L13,

You are always welcome in Microsoft Answers. Good that the issue is fixed.

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Regards,

Shinmila H - Microsoft Support

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Answer 3

I'd already all tried that and it didn't work. Weird thiough... it all of a sudden decided to just start working again. :) Well thanks for your suggestions. If the problem comes back I'll let you know.

Answer 4

I tried completely disabling both my Avast! security and the Windowy Firewall. Still no go...

Answer 5

If your computer has a firewall or antivirus program that has "web filtering" or a similar feature to screen web sites, turn that feature off.

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Boulder Computer Maven

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional