The "Page cannot be displayed" error is a generic message that indicates the web browser could not establish a connection to the website you're trying to access.
Troubleshooting this issue involves checking various components to identify and address the root cause. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the "Page cannot be displayed" error:
Check Internet Connection:
- Ensure that your internet connection is active and stable. Try accessing other websites to confirm.
Clear Browser Cache and Cookies:
- Cached data or cookies in your browser might be causing issues. Try clearing the cache and cookies and then attempt to access the page again.
Browser Compatibility:
- Test the website in multiple browsers to see if the issue is specific to one browser. This can help determine if there's a browser-related problem.
Check URL and Protocol:
- Verify that you have entered the correct URL, including the protocol (http:// or https://). A typo in the URL can lead to this error.
Firewall and Security Software:
- Check if your firewall or security software is blocking access to the website. Temporarily disable the firewall or security software to see if it resolves the issue. If it does, adjust the settings accordingly.
DNS Issues:
Ensure that your DNS settings are configured correctly. You can try using a different DNS server or flush the DNS cache on your computer.
ipconfig /flushdns
Proxy Settings:
- If you are using a proxy server, check the proxy settings to ensure they are configured correctly. Try accessing the website without using the proxy.
Hosts File:
- Check the hosts file on your computer for any incorrect entries. The hosts file can be located at
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hostson Windows or/etc/hostson Unix-like systems.
- Check the hosts file on your computer for any incorrect entries. The hosts file can be located at
Network Issues:
- Ensure there are no network issues between your computer and the server hosting the website. Check if other devices on the same network can access the site.
Web Server Issues:
- If you're the website owner, check the web server logs for any error messages. Ensure that the web server is running, and there are no issues with the configuration.
HTTPS Issues:
- If the website is using HTTPS, ensure that the SSL/TLS certificate is valid and has not expired. Check for SSL-related issues by trying to access the site using HTTP instead of HTTPS.
Check for Maintenance or Downtime:
- Verify if the website is undergoing maintenance or is temporarily down. Check the website's status page or contact the website administrator.
By systematically going through these steps, you should be able to identify and address the issue causing the "Page cannot be displayed" error. If the problem persists, it may be beneficial to contact the website administrator or your network administrator for further assistance.