Published 2022-09-20 by TechNet New England
This error means your browser cannot establish a connection to the website. It is different from a 404 (page not found) or 500 (server error) because the browser never reaches the server at all. ## Common Error Messages **ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT**: The browser waited too long for a response. **ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED**: The server actively rejected the connection. **ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED**: The browser cannot find the website's address (DNS issue). **ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED**: No internet connection. ## Fix 1: Check Your Internet Open a different website. If no websites load, the problem is your internet connection, not the specific website. ## Fix 2: Try a Different Browser Open the same URL in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari. If it works in another browser, the issue is with the first browser's cache or settings. ## Fix 3: Clear Browser Cache See our guide on clearing browser cache for Chrome, Edge, and Safari. ## Fix 4: Check If the Website Is Down for Everyone Go to [downdetector.com](https://downdetector.com) or [isitdownrightnow.com](https://isitdownrightnow.com) and search for the website. If others are also reporting it down, the problem is on the website's end, not yours. ## Fix 5: Flush DNS **Windows:** ```cmd ipconfig /flushdns ``` **Mac:** ```bash sudo dscacheutil -flushcache sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder ``` ## Fix 6: Try a Different DNS Server Your DNS server may be unable to resolve the website. Change to Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1). See our DNS troubleshooting guide for instructions. ## Fix 7: Disable VPN or Proxy A VPN or proxy server may be blocking access to the website. Temporarily disconnect and try again. ## Fix 8: Check Firewall or Security Software Your firewall, antivirus, or content filter may be blocking the website. Temporarily disable them to test (and re-enable afterward). ## Fix 9: Check the URL Make sure the URL is spelled correctly. A single typo in the domain name will cause this error. ## When to Contact IT If you cannot reach a specific work-related website (like an intranet, portal, or SaaS application) but it works for others, the issue may be: A firewall or proxy rule specific to your computer. A DNS configuration issue. A network restriction based on your location or IP. A VPN requirement you have not connected to. Contact your IT provider with the exact URL, the error message, and what you have already tried.