Unable to read two threads, Part Deux

[Jon]

I've updated the board software and done a test/repair on the database, all functioning here. Both your links go to a thread about a duff laptop for me in Firefox/Mac, Larry. Where do they go for you?

But somewhere there exists a copy of the database that has Larry's first thread, yet doesn't have the threads he was missing. I was able to find it on one of my machines, ironically with the exact same client-side software I'm using on another which can't see it.

[Jon]

Doing a little more analysis, I realized that the machine on which I was experiencing Larry's problem was one that I'd (trusting soul, but what the heck, it's a work machine not a personal one) installed Microsoft's latest patches for XP as well. Today, that machine (and only that machine) is unable to access this site. It brings up the front page, but as text only on a plain white background, as if the style sheets aren't being read. This happens in both SeaMonkey and IE6. If I attempt to follow a link, I get an error connecting to the server. I spoke to Larry about it and he has also deployed the patch on his XP machine. He isn't seeing the problem on his Vista machine, so it's possible that the latest (September) patches for XP are breaking web services in some subtle way.

What has both of us a little thrown is that the "broken" system finds his "part 1" thread at the same exact URL as the "unbroken" systems find the thread, and individual post, on the Advent 4211 notebook.

[Larry McGinn]

On a suggestion from Jon, I uninstalled the 9 Sep WXP Security Patch from Microsoft, rebooted, and signed on to this site. First attempt failed utterly. The site was allegedly unavailable. Then I had an "AHA!" moment: I use a highly customized HOSTS file, with this site's URL in it, which has changed, of course. I fixed it with the proper URL. Then I emptied the IE7 cache, rebooted and signed on, only to see a text-only version of this site. No graphics at all. Another reboot ensued, and I signed on with no problem. The graphics were back. I repeated this Kabuki dance with Firefox, with good results, except that I STILL can't find my original thread. It's gone. Bottom line: Both IE7 and FF3 now see what the other sees, which was not the case two days ago. I'm happy with that.

There are two other patches from 9 Sep having to do with MS Office 2007. I'll try removing them to see what changes they effect, if any. Later, gentlemen, and thanks for helping me out.

[Jon]

Same dance with the hosts file; commented out the entry (but another PC with the exact same hosts entry works fine) and it works. MS appears to be off the hook with the patch, as I reinstalled it and it still finds the same site everyone else does. And I can't find Larry's original thread any more either . . . Gotta reset the hosts file and see if things break again though.

[Dr Keyboard]

Ah. Sorry. My fault here. This site moved servers last week and has a new IP address, so if you're being complicated and hand-knitting your own Hosts file, it will have broken your browsers. From tech support here:

Dear Chris,

It's Terry tech support manager. Due to a potential hardware issue with your server and as part of our proactive hardware upgrade program we are moving your account to a brand new server. This new server has all the latest top of the line hardware including Quad Core processing power, 4GB ECC Ram, SuperMicro's latest motherboard, a faster RAID card, etc.

No downtime or issues are expected durning the move, and you will not have to do anything as we are taking care of everything and it should appear seamless to you.

If you are not using our nameservers you will need to point your domain to the new IP: 69.65.27.160 (This is for advanced users only, if you are not sure you probably don't need to change anything).

The moves will take place starting today and we expect to have them completed with in 48 hours.  If you have any questions please contact our helpdesk.

Note the new IP address. And stop being so clever.......

[Jon]

I have the same field in a "hosts" file on another machine that kept working right through, so there must be another factor in the idiosyncratic behaviour we encountered . . .

But maybe the phantom records are on the old server . . .

[Larry McGinn]

Not to worry, Chris. You have the right to change servers and URLs when necessary, and I have the obligation to monitor and change my HOSTS file as required. As is said in US Government circles, "You're good to go." Which means that you are OK in MY book.

[Larry McGinn]

OK, I guess by saying "URL" I meant "IP." Whatever.

[Dr Keyboard]

Your missing posts are/were probably on the old server which I guess ran in parallel for a while.