Search Our Database

Troubleshooting an inaccessible website

Last updated on |

Introduction

Website accessibility issues can be frustrating and may arise due to various factors, including network connectivity problems, domain resolution failures, or expired domain registrations. When a website fails to load, users may encounter errors such as “Page Not Found” or a blank screen.

This guide provides a structured approach to diagnosing and resolving website accessibility issues. It is designed for website owners, administrators, and IT professionals who need to quickly identify and resolve these problems. The troubleshooting steps will help determine whether the issue is related to network connectivity, DNS configuration, or domain status.

By following this step-by-step guide, users can pinpoint the cause of the issue and take appropriate corrective actions, ensuring minimal downtime and uninterrupted website availability.

 

Prerequisites

Before proceeding with troubleshooting, ensure you have the following:

  • A stable internet connection
  • Access to a computer or mobile device
  • Administrative access to domain settings (if necessary)
  • WHOIS lookup tools for domain verification
  • PingPlotter software installed (if network diagnostics are required)

 

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Check General Internet Connectivity

  1. Open a web browser and try accessing popular websites such as:
  2. If no websites are accessible, restart your modem, router, and computer.
  3. If the issue persists after restarting, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for further assistance.
  4. If other websites load successfully but your website remains inaccessible, proceed to the next step.

 

Step 2: Verify DNS Resolution

  1. Use an online DNS checking tool like intoDNS to verify if your domain’s DNS is resolving correctly.
  2. If DNS issues are detected, update your domain’s name servers or resolve misconfigurations in your DNS records.
  3. If no DNS resolution issues are found, proceed to the next step.

 

Step 3: Perform a Network Connectivity Test

  1. Run a PingPlotter test to diagnose network connectivity between your computer and your website.
  2. Refer to this guide on how to perform a PingPlotter test (link to be provided).
  3. If the test shows high latency, packet loss, or timeouts, contact your hosting provider or ISP for assistance.
  4. If the network appears stable, proceed to the next step.

 

Step 4: Check Your Domain Status

  1. Use a WHOIS lookup tool to check your domain’s registration status:
  2. If your domain has expired, renew it immediately through your domain registrar.
  3. Once renewed, allow 24 to 48 hours for DNS propagation before the website becomes accessible again.

 

Step 5: Contact Support for Further Assistance

  1. Capture a screenshot of the PingPlotter test results.
  2. Email support at support@ipserverone.com with the following details:
    • Domain name
    • Issue description
    • Screenshot of the PingPlotter test results
    • Any other relevant troubleshooting details

 

Conclusion

This guide outlines essential troubleshooting steps for diagnosing an inaccessible website, from checking general internet connectivity to verifying DNS resolution and domain status. By following these steps, users can quickly identify the root cause of the problem and take the necessary corrective actions.

Should you have any inquiries about the guidelines, please feel free to open a ticket through your portal account or contact us at support@ipserverone.com. We’ll be happy to assist you further.