Can't open certain websites

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Level 1

8 points

Can't open certain websites

Just in the last couple of days, my iMac won't open certain websites it has opened previously but will open others without a problem. I have tried numerous things; emptying the cache; opening the websites on a different device which works OK (so its not the Wi-Fi connection); using a different search engine or a different browser; clicking on the reopen arrow and selecting plug-ins; restarting computer in Safe Mode; running First Aid in disk utility; turning off the Firewall (turned back on when no effect). None of the above resolved the problem.

This is a home computer, not linked to a network, and I am the sole user. Parental controls are off.

I did install the latest security update/Safari updates from Apple on April 1st and this problem has occurred since this update. Coincidence?

Any suggestions would be most appreciated!!

iMac 21.5"

Posted on Apr 8, 2020 2:42 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

John Galt

Level 10

155,300 points

Apr 8, 2020 6:38 PM in response to CB4EVER

In addition to If you can't open a website in Safari on Mac - Apple Support the following are a few fundamental troubleshooting steps that may help. Some of the information will be redundant but review everything to determine if there is something you may have overlooked.

Safari is slow, stops responding, quits unexpectedly, or has other issues - Apple Support
If Safari doesn't load a page or webpage items are missing - Apple Support
How to install Safari extensions on your Mac - Apple Support
"Safe Mode": Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac - Apple Support. Determine if the problems exist in Safe Mode. Then, restart normally.

If you don't get anywhere, you can use the following procedure to determine if the problem is internal or external to your Mac. Causes may involve your router, your ISP, the DNS Server(s) it uses, or certain user-configurable options.

Shut down your Mac.
Load macOS Recovery by holding ⌘ and r (two fingers) while you start your Mac with a third finger.
At the macOS Utilities screen, release those two fingers.
Choose Get Help Online.
Safari will launch, but it will lack your bookmarks, favorites, history and other preferences.

Determine if the problem persists while using Safari in that mode. After that, restart your Mac normally, and reply with your observations.

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Answer 2

CB4EVER Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 9, 2020 10:02 AM in response to John Galt

I think the problem is solved! I did the macOS Recovery and reinstalled the operating system and the websites I couldn't open seem to be working OK. Hopefully this continues!

Thanks a lot for the help.

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Answer 3

CB4EVER Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 8, 2020 5:11 PM in response to Old Toad

Thanks a lot for the suggestion but this didn't solve the problem

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Answer 4

CB4EVER Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 8, 2020 5:13 PM in response to John Galt

I have never used any non-Apple security/anti-virus products so this doesn't seem to be the issue

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Answer 5

John Galt

Level 10

155,300 points

Apr 8, 2020 4:36 PM in response to CB4EVER

Please read If you can't open a website in Safari on Mac - Apple Support.

Needless to say, if you are using, or have used at any time in the past, any non-Apple "anti-virus", "cleaning", or "Internet security" products including "banking security", anything at all in that broad category of utterly useless garbage, don't. A lot of things won't work if you do.

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Answer 6

Old Toad

Level 10

215,346 points

Apr 8, 2020 3:13 PM in response to CB4EVER

Check the System/Network/Advanced/DNS preference pane and remove the two numbers listed. Then add these two server addresses (Open DNS).

Then launch Safari again and try the sites.

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Can't open certain websites

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