Internet browsers not working

[Pixarghettolmap]

Hello, so I have an issue with my mac, at random times the internet browsers do not work at all. The odd thing is, it's not the internet that is the issue it's the browsers. All other online games,torrents, and other online activities work but the internet browsers return unknown errors. Internet browsers work fine on my phone or through a virtual machine. I don't know how to refresh my firewall but I don't have it turned on so I don't even think it's the issue. Thanks in advance

 

[MisterMe]

Are you accessing the Internet through a proxy server? If not, then turn off the firewall and then report back what happened.

 

[asriznet]

Hello, so I have an issue with my mac, at random times the internet browsers do not work at all. The odd thing is, it's not the internet that is the issue it's the browsers. All other online games,torrents, and other online activities work but the internet browsers return unknown errors. Internet browsers work fine on my phone or through a virtual machine. I don't know how to refresh my firewall but I don't have it turned on so I don't even think it's the issue. Thanks in advance

any anti-virus?
what browsers have you tried?
any specific error message/code?
any screenshots?(Command + Option + 3)
tried with another user account?

See if it happens in safe boot(Hold down shift on start up)

 

[Pixarghettolmap]

any anti-virus?
what browsers have you tried?
any specific error message/code?
any screenshots?(Command + Option + 3)
tried with another user account?

See if it happens in safe boot(Hold down shift on start up)

Thanks for responding, I've tried chrome, firefox, and safari. Sorry it may take me some time to test your suggestions since this issue only happens a few times a week and lasts only a few hours.

 

[Bruno09]

It sounds like a DNS issue.

Next time the problem occurs, go to System Preferences / Network, and add 8.8.8.8 (a Google DNS) to the DNS list.

Click Apply (important).

Test a browser and let us know.

 

[Pixarghettolmap]

It sounds like a DNS issue.

Next time the problem occurs, go to System Preferences / Network, and add 8.8.8.8 (a Google DNS) to the DNS list.

Click Apply (important).

Test a browser and let us know.

It worked! THANK YOU

 

[Bruno09]

Glad it worked, however this does not explain WHY you had the problem.

It could be either your ISP or your router.

The best setup for the DNS tab is as follow :

On top of the list :

- your (actual) router local IP address (192.168.0.1 for example)
- your ISP DNS (depends on your ISP, do a search)

Plus :

- other DNS, as Google DNS : 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- or OpenDNS : 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220

So, if your router and ISP DNS are fine, being on top of the list, they will do the job.

If they fail, Google DNS or OpenDNS will be used.