'Access Denied' and 'Sorry, You Have Been Blocked' messages

Hi Aubrey Stevenson,

Is this your personal computer? If it is, try clearing the browser cache, if you are un-sure on this let me know which browser you are using, it looks like Edge to me.

Have you tried a different browser?

Are you using VPN?

I just tried both sites from NZ and both worked for me.

Hi BryceSor,

Thank you for picking up on this issue. I can add the following'

I have cleared my cache + cookies and turned off the VPN.  I would not say that I am a 'techie' so am not entirely sure if I have made the correct clearances and checks however, no success to date.  The same occurs whether I use Chrome or Microsoft Edge. I also tried running my Microsoft/Edge browser with the 'in private' facility but again, the 'blocked' screen presented.  

The laptop I use is from home and my provider is Virgin. I have emailed Virgin on 2 occasions asking if anyone can help or advise but to date, no reply received.

I am also blocked on other random sites such as Currys PC World and worryingly, my bank.

Additionally, I have checked through a selection of system drivers, that is, at least the drivers I suspect might be associated, and all seem to be up to date.

I have premium antivirus installed and all seems to check out under a Bitdefender system check.

Otherwise, I am at a loss as to how to resolve this blocking problem.

I am based in the UK by the way.

Sorry that's not helping.

I would run your antivirus and make sure your computer hasn't be compromised just in case that is why these sites don't work. I would also try un-installing Bitdefender. You can also use this MS scan tool.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/safety-scanner-download

When did this first start happening, did you see or open a email or even a web site, spammers are getting good at hiding by using /web sites and emails that look legit.

For testing you could change the DNS to google 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4 which will bypass Virgins DNS or setup your phone's hotspot, connect your computer and try that.
Does your phone work with these sites once disconnected (phone) from your home network?

You can also use https://www.whatismyip.com/, get your IP and check here to see if its black listed https://dnschecker.org/ip-blacklist-checker.php?
both of these are 3rd party sites so use at your own discretion if you use them, I just checked my computer and I didn't see any pop-up ads , etc.

Doesn't sound good Virgin not getting back to you maybe ring them as well and has your data increased lately?

Hi BryceSor,

Many thanks for your latest thoughts, I was away from home all day yesterday so was not able to progress with any possible solution. I will try over the next few days or so.

I do not know if it is worth adding but my laptop is a HP Ryzen that is now about 5 years old. The unit was upgraded from Win 10 to Win 11 Pro maybe 3-4 years ago.

I had also previously run several of HPs own diagnostics on the unit including a BIOs check (just in case!).

And I still get a small number of vendor sites that generate the 'blocked' screen. Frustrating.

I will update in the next day or so.