Cannot access nmap.org

Chrismk · 5 Jun 2020 at 15:30

I've not experienced this before but I cannot access a particular domain: nmap.org
It doesn't matter which browser I use or which network connected device.
I can tracert the domain successfully.

I'm guessing it may be something to do with my router setup but not sure where to start looking!

Janesy B · 5 Jun 2020 at 16:13

What error does your browser give you? Normally this would be happening if the site has blacklisted your IP.

Quartz · 5 Jun 2020 at 17:30

Chrismk said:
I've not experienced this before but I cannot access a particular domain: nmap.org

Can you access it using mobile data?

Chrismk · 5 Jun 2020 at 18:24

Quartz said:
Can you access it using mobile data?

Yes I can!

Chrismk · 5 Jun 2020 at 18:25

Janesy B said:
What error does your browser give you? Normally this would be happening if the site has blacklisted your IP.

The connection has timed out

The server at nmap.org is taking too long to respond.

Zefan · 5 Jun 2020 at 19:18

My usual thought would be that it's just your ISP's DNS servers being interesting, but you said that you can tracert to the domain successfully, so it shouldn't be that. It's interesting that ICMP traffic works but http traffic doesn't. Have you tried accessing it using its IP in the URL instead of the domain name? What about using a free web proxy? Although I don't think it makes sense if it is your DNS, have you tried setting your DNS to 8.8.8.8?

Chrismk · 5 Jun 2020 at 19:40

Zefan said:
My usual thought would be that it's just your ISP's DNS servers being interesting, but you said that you can tracert to the domain successfully, so it shouldn't be that. It's interesting that ICMP traffic works but http traffic doesn't. Have you tried accessing it using its IP in the URL instead of the domain name? What about using a free web proxy? Although I don't think it makes sense if it is your DNS, have you tried setting your DNS to 8.8.8.8?

Thanks. I'll try some of those suggestions tomorrow.
I've had a few large gins so not a good idea to try tonight :-)

Chrismk · 6 Jun 2020 at 10:29

I changed the DNS to Google's and tried using the ip address but no luck.
Before looking for a web proxy I turned off Windows Defender Firewall and success!
Then I turned it back on and - still success.

But even more strange is the fact I can now access the domain on my other machine on the network and I haven't gone near the firewall settings.
Bemused, but it's working!