Certain websites only work with a VPN after a malware infection
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MellowPine47
I accidentally downloaded and ran a Roblox executor on my computer and later realized it may have infected the system. Since then, sites such as GitHub and Reddit fail to load when I use my regular Wi‑Fi, but they work normally through a VPN. I am not using custom DNS settings. I already factory-reset the computer, although the problem has continued for about five months. What should I check to determine whether the issue is caused by my PC, router, DNS, or network configuration?
Answers
Check whether the hosts file contains entries for GitHub, Reddit, or other blocked sites. Open Notepad as administrator, then browse to C:WindowsSystem32driversetchosts and remove suspicious lines that redirect or block those domains. Also run full scans with Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes, since the original program may have changed more than just the hosts file.
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Because multiple sites fail only on your normal connection, the problem may be outside the computer. Test another device on the same Wi‑Fi and test the affected computer using a phone hotspot. If every device fails on your home network but works elsewhere, reboot and inspect the router, update its firmware, change its administrator password, and consider resetting it to factory settings. If the issue remains, contact your internet provider because the block or DNS problem may be upstream.
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Reset the computer's network configuration from an administrator Command Prompt, then restart it. Run ipconfig /flushdns, netsh winsock reset, and netsh int ip reset. These commands clear cached DNS information and repair common network-stack problems. Since the sites work over a VPN, also check your router's DNS settings and make sure they are automatic or set to a trusted DNS provider rather than an unfamiliar server.
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MellowPine47: I already factory-reset the computer, but the problem has still been happening for around five months. I will check the router settings and hosts file next.