Strange, please help.

[Charlotte]

Sorry about opening another thread, but my problem seems to be unique and doesn't fit anyplace else.

Starting at the beginning - About a month ago, I was banned from a message board while using Firefox. If one of the Mods here needs the name of the board, I can PM it to you, but not knowing if it is etiquette here, I won't post it yet.

When I was banned, I was logged into my user name at the time, please keep that in mind, because this whole thing is weird to me. When I went to re-log back into the site, I couldn't even get TO the site while NOT logged in. It instead showed my "ban notice", but not the page itself.

So, I created a new name, AND downloaded Safari, got right in and have been posting for a month under a new name using only Safari. So yesterday, someone on the board decided to tell the Moderator that my new name was me, and the Mod. banned that name too. Again, I created a new name using Safari, re-registered and was in, but after I made one single post, now I can only access their "limited" page, (where they won't let you post), but can get no further.

After that, I went to my other computer and wasn't able to get to the site on that computer either, so now they've apparently banned my IP number. I also tried using a proxy (anonymizer) and can't get in that way either.

My point is this. Obviously, I wasn't banned the first time using Firefox by using my IP. My IP wasn't banned, or I wouldn't have been able to use Safari on that same computer to get right back in.

I have cleared cookies, history, etc. on both browsers on my computer and still nothing.

My questions:

1. How did they ban ONLY a browser on my computer the first time when they banned Firefox? How can they access my actual browser?

2. I assume that short of purchasing a new router so as to change my IP#, there is no other way to change my IP....BUT....even if I DO purchase another router, have they again, somehow, attached something to my browser for me not to be able to access the site? Therefore, buying another router would do no good?

I'm pretty computer literate as far as navigating my way around, finding files on my computer, sending, uploaded, downloading, etc., but I do not have a Tech. mind, so any help you could give me on at LEAST explaining what has gone on here, and what they did and how they did it, (especially tampering with my browser, that makes no sense!), I would greatly appreciate it.

And if you could tell me how to fix it, I will name my next-born child after you.

Thank you!

[wimiadmin]

This is odd.

If the site banned firefox, they would have to do it on multiple if statements because UserAgents are very similar. They can't just ban Firefox because that would ban all Firefox visitors. Since you cleared your cookies, history, etc. that foils my suspicion that it was based on just your username and because you were logged in with Firefox you continued to get the ban message and would until you logged out....but wouldn't be able to since you could no longer access the site.

Yes....you're correct that they've probably banned your IP now so until it changes, chances are you won't be able to get back in.

They can have proxy detection built in and still see your real IP address....but....some proxies are better at masking your IPs than others.

So it doesn't look like you'll be naming your first kid wimiadmin, but hopefully these answers help a little bit.

[wimiadmin]

To get back to the site, try TOR for Firefox....it's really good at masking/hiding your IP.

[Charlotte]

Originally Posted by wimiadmin

This is odd.

If the site banned firefox, they would have to do it on multiple if statements because UserAgents are very similar. They can't just ban Firefox because that would ban all Firefox visitors. Since you cleared your cookies, history, etc. that foils my suspicion that it was based on just your username and because you were logged in with Firefox you continued to get the ban message and would until you logged out....but wouldn't be able to since you could no longer access the site.

Yes....you're correct that they've probably banned your IP now so until it changes, chances are you won't be able to get back in.

They can have proxy detection built in and still see your real IP address....but....some proxies are better at masking your IPs than others.

So it doesn't look like you'll be naming your first kid wimiadmin, but hopefully these answers help a little bit.

Thank you, wimi, and since you were kind enough to at least try to help, I'll opt for "wimi' for my next-born's middle name. How's that? I make beautiful babies, thank God, so you'll at least be proud.

I was hesitant to even come here because I was anticipating an answer that I wouldn't understand, and that's what your first paragraph is to me. No fault of yours, of course.

Tell me this, please. I have read on the 'net about unplugging your modem/route/whateveritis overnight, and it resets your IP#. Is this true?

I also realize after reading other threads here that they can also ban in 'blocks' - that part I do understand. LOL

I would love to know though, just out of my own anger at being banned and yes, it WAS unfairly for certain, how they messed with my Firefox? I know that now since my IP# is banned, the Firefox episode is water under the bridge, but it still bugs me.

Anyway, if you can answer about unplugging the "thingy", I would be most grateful.

Thank you for your response, BTW.

[Charlotte]

Originally Posted by wimiadmin

To get back to the site, try TOR for Firefox....it's really good at masking/hiding your IP.

Poor wimi, you can't win for losin'.

I just tried to download TOR, thank you very much, but I have a MAC. LOL

I will try it on hubby's computer tomorrow though; right now he's doing our taxes on it and the silly guy is telling me that THAT takes priority.

Can you imagine!?

[wimiadmin]

Taxes? Doesn't he realize you've got surfing to do. LOL!

Wimi as a middle name....I guess it'll do....and probably be a first. I'll throw in a lifetime membership to the forum....oh wait...that's already free.

TOR works for Mac's too. http://www.torproject.org/download.html.en you'll see icons for both Intel version and PowerPC version.

To answer your question about being able to change your IP, unplugging your thingy overnight may or may not work. It really all depends on how your ISP has got their server thingies set up to assign your modem/router thingy an IP. All you can do is try. If it doesn't work, here are some other suggestions. How To Change Your IP

It bugs me to no end when I can't figure something out.....and to know for certain why only Firefox got banned is one of those intriguing enigmas.

<sarcasm>Maybe if we email the site admin they'll give us all the details. </sarcasm>

[Charlotte]

Originally Posted by wimiadmin

Taxes? Doesn't he realize you've got surfing to do. LOL!

Wimi as a middle name....I guess it'll do....and probably be a first. I'll throw in a lifetime membership to the forum....oh wait...that's already free.

TOR works for Mac's too. http://www.torproject.org/download.html.en you'll see icons for both Intel version and PowerPC version.

To answer your question about being able to change your IP, unplugging your thingy overnight may or may not work. It really all depends on how your ISP has got their server thingies set up to assign your modem/router thingy an IP. All you can do is try. If it doesn't work, here are some other suggestions. How To Change Your IP

It bugs me to no end when I can't figure something out.....and to know for certain why only Firefox got banned is one of those intriguing enigmas.

<sarcasm>Maybe if we email the site admin they'll give us all the details. </sarcasm>

*shoves wimi to be first in line*

.... here, YOU email the site admin, I'll stand back here and watch.

Brace yourself for this, I'm envisioning you slamming your head on your desk about right now, but....my son bought me my MAC for Christmas, I'm VERY accustomed to Windows, so....how do I tell whether I have a Intel version or a PowerPC version?

Furthermore, I was reading the instructions on how to configure TOR for Windows while I was waiting for your (hopeful) response, and OMG!...it might as well be written in Arabic to me! I told you, I'm not Teckie!

Second thought, can I just run down to TN and have YOU do this? LOL

I will try it though, I'm brave (gullible) like that. If you see smoke coming from the North, you'll know I blew something to smithereens!

Thank you so much for your help.

[wimiadmin]

I'm actually going to be switching to a Mac hopefully this year. It'll be a learning experience, but I can always run Windows on it if all else fails. LOL! Since your Mac is new, it'll have the Intel processor.

TOR does have a bit of a learning curve and I haven't used it in quite some time that I've forgotten how. Things like this happen when you try to crowd your brain with too many things.

I think there are some videos on TOR's website that are great tutorials. I remember watching one because I didn't want to read all the docs. : )

If you go to TN we won't be there until late next month.

[0siris]

Charlotte,

If I can step back a little from where wimiadmin took you, I reread your first post, and you didn't mention clearing cookies, cache, etc, until after you started using Safari.

So based on that, I think it was a ban based on your login cookie. It probably kept some kind of reference ID active, even though you logged out.

[Charlotte]

Originally Posted by 0siris

Charlotte,

If I can step back a little from where wimiadmin took you, I reread your first post, and you didn't mention clearing cookies, cache, etc, until after you started using Safari.

So based on that, I think it was a ban based on your login cookie. It probably kept some kind of reference ID active, even though you logged out.

To be honest, I don't really remember at which step/point I did clear cookies & cache; you may very well be right.

I have a favor to ask, you'll really figure I don't even deserve to own a computer when you hear this one. LOL

I quickly logged in here with my first post in SUCH a frenzy, I don't remember the email addy I used for your site. I also don't remember the password I used.

SO, if one of you could be so kind as to just put the first LETTER of my email addy on this board called to my attention, I will know right away which email addy it was. I have several.

After that, LOL, if you could re-send my password to me in that email account, I would be most appreciative.

The thing is, I haven't cleared cookies, etc. since I was here last, so I was automatically logged in tonight to come here. But I know that when I do clear cookies, etc., I will lose you guys, and you're much too valuable to me!

Please and thank you.

[0siris]

Charlotte,

SO, if one of you could be so kind as to just put the first LETTER of my email addy on this board called to my attention, I will know right away which email addy it was. I have several.

I sent you a private message about this.
You should be able to view your email using the "User CP" link at the upper right, and then choosing "Change email & Password." You cannot change them without knowing the password, but you can see the email address; and once you know your email address, you can logout, use the "Forgot Password" link, and then reset it once you get the reply email from this site.

[Charlotte]

Thank you ever so much!

[0siris]

Originally Posted by Charlotte

Thank you ever so much!

Glad I could help. That worked for you then? Just to be sure.

[active]

I was wondering about tor. Do other unknown people in 'your network' have access to the computer running Tor? Do other's have data stored on the computer hooked up to that network?

[active]

I heard of freenet project and was wondering if it is a safe bet. I noticed much traffic on my modem/IP gateway. I read that other users would be storing data on my computer and I was concerned with what data that might be. Which is better: Tor project or freenet project?

[wimiadmin]

Just by reading your previous post, I would say TOR is safer. TOR is not really one computer....it's many in many different locations with many different IP addresses all allowing connections via proxy.

The freenet project sounds nice, but it sounds like people would be using your connection to do who knows what with.....and if it's something illegal, all the authorities know in the end is that it came from your IP.

[active]

I did have trouble sleeping when Freenet was running. I shut it down and slept much better.