need help with computer SSL error

[SPIKER]

hi all:

I got sdome problems, with my OLD machine here. I can't log onto anything where SSL is used, security settings are some how messed up.

what happened is I had a problem with windows 98 se and my 3com network card, it got all funky some how? anyhow then the network crashed, I(t turned out that there was a cold solder joint in the network modem/switch's power supply., I fixed that but the NIC card would not work, and after tons of messing around windows 98se died and needed to be re-installed.

I did that and there was an old restor that it used for settings ect.

I got back on-line and all seemed well untill I try & log onto secure sites that require SSL...


I normally use Fire Fox, (using IE now as Fire Fox after re-installing it to try & fix error won't work with out crashing?)

IE just goes to Security error page and will not go anywhere after that.

FF shows an error when starting that says

"" could not initalize the browsers security componet. and most likely cause is problems with files in you're browser's profile directory. please check that this directory has no read/write restrictions and you're HD is not full or close to full (it is fine) it says to exit browser and fix the problem and that if you keep using the browser you will see incorrect browser behavior when accessing security features""

anyhow I've checked all the internet options for SSL all are ON and tried the default settings to no avail, I can't figure out what FF means by fixing the " browsers Profile DIrectory" I tried setting up a NEW user accounts on the PC but that maid FF crash completly...

any hints what to do next?

mark M

 

[bearhawk]

It sounds to me like you might be missing some patches or hotfixes. Have you done Windows Update?

I would at least try a full reinstall now that the nic card is working.

Win 98 is OLD, I understand being thrifty, but you can purchase a brand new XP Pro computer for around 400 bucks.

PC Connection - HP SmartBuy dx2300 : 1.6GHz Pentium Dual Core 512MB RAM 80GB hard drive

Jim

 

[JB4310]

I'm not one who should be giving tech advice and I don't even know what SSL stands for but I know in Internet properties under the content tab there's an option to "clear SSL state" often times tech support people will tell you to hit that option to clear the SSL cache.
Not sure what it does or if it would help, but might be something to try.
JB,

 

[SPIKER]

thanks for reply so far, the comp is OLD yes I know all I'm doing is surfing net with it. but I also check emails and pay some bills too. it is needed as is the 400 bucks that it would cost to replace it with one that does exact same thing. I haven't had time to try looking for fix as I been working on cars that are broken left overs from winter.

mark

 

[riptides]

Try these options:

Verify that Internet Explorer is configured to use SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0:

In Internet Explorer, on the Tools menu, click Internet Options, and select the Advanced tab
In the Settings box, under the Security header, click to select the Use SSL 2.0 and Use SSL 3.0 check boxes (if they are not already selected), and then click OK



Configure Security settings for the Trusted sites zone in Internet Explorer:

In Internet Explorer, on the Tools menu, click Internet Options, and select the Security tab
Select Trusted sites, and then click Default Level
Add the secure Web site you are trying to access to the Trusted sites zone. To do so, click Sites, type the address (URL) of the site in the Add this Web site to the zone box, click Add, click OK, and then click Apply

And this one -

Verify that Internet Explorer Is Using 128-Bit Encryption:

In Internet Explorer, on the Help menu, click About Internet Explorer
The level of encryption on your computer appears next to the words Cipher Strength. Verify that the Cipher Strength value appears as 128-bit

If the Cipher Strength is anything less then 128-bit, download the Internet Explorer High Encryption Pack to your computer's hard disk, and then install it.


-Mike Z.

 

[Soundguy]

Nice reply!

soundguy

 

[SPIKER]

Mike:

thanks for reply, I have checked all of the above mentioned items except the 128 bit encryption. I am having the problem in BOTH IE and Fire Fox browsers. It appears to be a Windows configure error not the browsers as both of them have the 2.0 1.0 and 3.0 SSL on as well as the TSL 1.0 on. and auto configure is also selected

now what I think is the problem is that someplace in the windows re-install the security settings were messed up and I can't seem to remember HOW/WHERE to re-adjust them... I'm not sure if there is anything in the DOS that could have caused the problem as I removed a bunch of OLD useless files from the config files. old hardware drivers mostly.

anyhow I think I'm going to have to keep looking but not sure if the 128 will help, but I'll do that shortly, (on womans system now.)

thanks for reply
\Mark M

 

[tomd999]

Hiya,

If your still having issues I have a system that I'll give to ya if your willing to foot the shipping bill. It's nothing special, an older Dell but it runs either Windows 2000 or Linux.

Let me know,

Tom

 

[riptides]

Ahh,

Are you saying you did not check the 128 bit encryption? Or that the browser is not configured to support it?

That encryption setting will be a show stopper as your machine and the server your trying to get to, must dance together. That is the reason for the update package.

Let me know.
-Mike Z.

 

[SPIKER]

hi guys:

well It shows 0 bit strength in the encryption, but every time I try and DL any encryption it won't install and stops says that it can't be downloaded?

what next, it seems to be poing me deliberately. maybe I have to un-install windows go back to dos and deltree win directory & start over?

mark m

 

[bearhawk]

. maybe I have to un-install windows go back to dos and deltree win directory & start over?
mark m

Just reinstall windows from scratch.
Delete the partition and reinstall fresh.
It's not worth the agrivation.

Even brand new systems benefit from a fresh install.

 

[SPIKER]

hi all


well I deleted the windows, and reinstalled, but lost the *** windows 98se key !

anyone have old key floating around?

I tried calling but they were not open for business.

mark

 

[MossRoad]

Why don't you keep all your posts regarding the windows key in one thread, so that people can keep track of what is replied?