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I'm not entirely tech stupid, but admittedly I'm not the most network savvy. I used to use catbox.moe with no issues (e.g. in the days of Voat), but now I'm entirely unable to view without a proxy or VPN. Which isn't the worst thing; I use VPN regularly, but some websites (banking, e.g.) refuse my connection if I VPN.

So... lil help troubleshooting? Sorry if this is the wrong sub... there's not a "tech help" sub that I'm aware.

I'm not entirely tech stupid, but admittedly I'm not the most network savvy. I used to use catbox.moe with no issues (e.g. in the days of Voat), but now I'm entirely unable to view without a proxy or VPN. Which isn't the worst thing; I use VPN regularly, but some websites (banking, e.g.) refuse my connection if I VPN. So... lil help troubleshooting? Sorry if this is the wrong sub... there's not a "tech help" sub that I'm aware.

(post is archived)

[–] [Sticky] • 2 pts

Your ISP blocked it

[–] • 1 pt

Changed to OpenDNS and got right in. Completely unexpected - CenturyLink is my ISP... pretty much my only access where I am without paying beaucoup bucks for satellite (and 60GB/month before massive throttling/overage charges).

[–] • 1 pt

My guess is if they didn't block other more controversial stuff, it must be an automated process that blocked the IP pool catbox is in.

You might wanna shoot them an email and ask to whitelist that domain.

[–] • 0 pt

No shit? They don't block 4chan or, well, poal, voat... but they block a pic-sharing site? Does catbox host CP or something?

Cause, yknow, they don't block pornhub or anything. My ISP really doesn't seem to give a shit about any sites - is that the only explanation?

[–] • 1 pt

The other answer could be that catbox is simply blocking you (your IP or pool based on your location)

You can try to shoot them an email if it's really a problem for you to use a VPN to access it.

[–] • 1 pt

I would say it's mildly inconvenient. I have a fairly dedicated use for VPN that isn't my daily stuff. Thanks for the tips.

[–] • 1 pt (edited )

Your ISP blocked it.

The good news is that ISPs typically block the DNS request not the actual IP data connection because running a firewall and or doing packet inspection is more expensive. Blocking the DNS request does not cause a lot of CPU cycles on a firewall or IDP system.

So the first thing to try is switch your browser to use DNS over HTTPS... this bypasses any ISP level DNS block.

Edit: OP, you should name and shame your Internet Service Provider

[–] • 1 pt

So the first thing to try is switch your browser to use DNS over HTTPS

That worked. Centurylink is my ISP, but like I said elsewhere, this is weird because they block literally nothing else that I would find much more objectionable than fucking catbox.

[–] • 1 pt

I signed in to suggest this, I may as well still comment. Let us know if DNS did it OP.