Forum member can't access from desktop but can from mobile d

[m2marsh]

Hi. I have a forum member who messaged me this regarding not being able to access the forum from her desktop...

" I can no longer sign into any proboards from my desktop. It says access denied you do not have access the site owner may have set restrictions that prevent you from accessing the site. It says error code 1020. Any ideas why this is happening…"

[bigballofyarn]

This error code sounds like it's coming from Cloudflare's security software, is treating the IP address they are using as a threat, and blocking access. This is sometimes due to the use of a VPN. If they are using a VPN, see if they can access your forum WITHOUT the VPN.

[m2marsh]

Thanks. I will ask. However I know they are fairly computer illiterate so I have my doubts about a VPN.

[Kami]

It's not always a VPN; her ISP could be recycling IP addresses (ie a dynamic IP) which means she could have gotten an IP that was previously used by someone that engaged in unsavoury behaviour.

If the VPN is not the cause, they should try to reset their router. The router reset should issue a new IP that is hopefully unblocked.

[m2marsh]

Thanks everyone. Last night I told her that while she's waiting for ProBoards to get back to her, she might as well try to clear her cache and update her browser. Apparently one of those things did it and she's back to having access.

[Kami]

Jan 30, 2023 6:18:20 GMT -8 m2marsh said:

 Thanks everyone. Last night I told her that while she's waiting for ProBoards to get back to her, she might as well try to clear her cache and update her browser. Apparently one of those things did it and she's back to having access. 

Clearing cache was likely the success. It sounds like she has a dynamic IP which at one point belonged to a bad actor; her IP likely changed again at some point but her cache was still loading the page as if she was on the "bad" IP.

Glad it resolved without a fuss!