How to fix 403 Forbidden error

Question

I keep getting the 403 Forbidden error message on sites I regularly visit. Please walk me through how to fix this issue as it is so frustrating.

Answer 1

To fix the 403 Forbidden error, you can try the following steps:

1. Disable Security Software: Sometimes, third-party security software can block access to websites. Disable any ad removal programs, web accelerators, download assistants, or antivirus software temporarily to see if that resolves the issue.
2. Reset the Hosts File: If the hosts file has been modified, it can cause access issues. You can reset it to the default settings. Instructions for resetting the Hosts file can be found in Microsoft support documentation.
3. Check for Client Certificates: If you are accessing a site that requires a client certificate, ensure that you have a valid certificate installed. If you don't have one, contact the site administrator for instructions on how to obtain it.
4. Directory Browsing and Default Document: If you are an administrator of the site, ensure that the Directory Browsing feature is enabled in IIS, or that a default document is configured properly for the website.
5. Service Health Check: If you are an admin, check the Service Health page in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center for any advisories or incidents that might be affecting access to the site.
6. Reshare the File: If the error occurs when accessing a specific file, try resharing the file to ensure permissions are correctly set.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to consult with the site administrator or technical support for further assistance.

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References:

• Error 403 (Access Denied/Forbidden) occurs when you connect to Windows Update
• HTTP Error 403.14 - Forbidden when you open an IIS webpage