Why you can’t access some sites while you’re on a VPN and what to do

Let’s say you’re browsing the web with a VPN. You’re protecting privacy, so you’re confident hackers and advertisers can’t track you. Then you try to go to a site, and it just won’t load.

This can throw a wrench into productivity when working. Or it can ruin your mood when trying to have fun online.

If you want to bypass those infuriating errors that say, “The page you are looking for can’t be found,” we can help. Here’s what to do when a VPN stops site access.

Why you can’t access certain content with a VPN

You can’t access certain apps or websites when your VPN is on for a few reasons. First, you may be dealing with connectivity issues. Perhaps the VPN you’re using is having server issues.

Some sites go out of their way to block connections from VPN servers. The site owners aren’t trying to make your life harder. They block VPNs to cover their backsides. (Legally, not literally.)

Many websites block VPNs because they don’t want to break their contracts. Simply put, many VPN users want to bypass geo-blocking features.

Say you want to watch content that isn’t available in the U.S. If your favorite show is available in the U.K., you can connect to a server there so your internet can access that show. Tap or click here to unlock international Netflix to access more movies and shows.

Streaming sites don’t like this. It lands them in hot water with the production companies they team up with. Here’s why:

  • Streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu have long and complicated contracts with production companies.
  • Those contracts may involve location limits as part of licensing contracts. Production companies often have stipulations like, “You can stream this show, but only in Canada since we don’t want it in the U.S.”
  • Certain websites/services, like PayPal, Venmo and CashApp, identify users for legal purposes through their IP addresses. This is used to resolve problems such as fraud.

Continue reading

Master Excel with these 5 genius tricks

You can’t keep track of everything on paper. Excel can play a significant role in your daily workload. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro user, there’s much to learn — like these five useful Excel tricks.

Want to become an Excel expert? It’s a good strategy for small business owners who want to grow this year. After all, you’ll generate tons of data. Speaking of which, here’s how to stop third parties from selling your data.

Continue reading

Still have a DVD collection? Check for disc rot. Many Warner Bros. DVDs from 2006 to 2008 are failing prematurely, even though properly cared-for discs should last up to 100 years. Signs of trouble include loading errors or freezing. Warner Bros. will replace them or exchange them for a title of similar value. Contact support at whv@wbd.com.

$10,000

Worth of a 1999 Georgia state quarter. Check the couch cushions! They were printed with all kinds of errors, and that makes them valuable. One of the rarest variations is thicker than normal, with a gold-greenish tint and no copper edge. Hit this list for the details.