Forbidden Access to some forum Threads

[Trianna]

Hello!

Last few weeks I've been randomly receiving an error "403 - Forbidden" when trying to access some threads. The error persist on diff browsers, private tab and PCs. I would say it seems like an IP block of sorts, but in one instance, using an extra fake param actually bypassed the error.

Example 1:
Works fine: https://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/...sual-player%29
Doesn't work: https://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/...-player)/page2
Works fine (fake extra param): https://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/...yer)/page2?a=a

Example 2:
Doesn't work: http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...f-Forked-Tower
Also doesn't work (fake extra param): http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...rked-Tower?a=a

Images from the results accessing the URLs above:
https://imgur.com/a/xiGIP1q

Keep in mind, this happen to several threads, not just the ones I listed.

[Glygnello]

Good afternoon! Thank you for posting in the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums.

We apologize for the trouble and inconvenience you have been experiencing. For us to better assist you, please respond with the following information:

Wired or WIFI connection?
When the error occurs/How often?
Is a VPN being used when this occurs?
What ISP Is being used?

Thank you for visiting the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums.

[Trianna]

Wired or WIFI connection? Tried in both, with different computers.
When the error occurs/How often? Often but again, not all threads, the ones I listed are weeks old now and I still can't see them.
Is a VPN being used when this occurs? Nope.
What ISP Is being used? Claro NXT Telecomunicacoes Ltda


More examples of threads not accessible:

https://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/...een-a-few-days
https://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/...-Police-CIA%29
https://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/...es-or-knows-it.

[Trianna]

The problem seems to be with the words in the URL:

https://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/...public-content - Forbidden Access 403
https://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/...s/519359-aaaaa - works just fine

https://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/...een-a-few-days - Forbidden Access 403
https://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/518903-b - works just fine

I don't know what kind of issue is happening in the backend but some words are really triggering the forbidden access situation.

[Xupojoonyohl]

Good morning and thank you for the reply, Trianna!

Many actions can trigger this error, such as a slow internet connection, use of a VPN or an odd connection (EG: schools or cafes), a possible virus detected on the device, many connections at once, and numerous other actions.

Please try the following troubleshooting as it may help resolve your concern:

- We advise clearing the cache/cookies/browsing data from your default web browser.
- Disable any web browser extensions (EG: ad-blocker).
- Use a different browser (Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox tends to have less issues).
- Use private browsing or incognito mode.
- Use a smartphone running on a mobile data connection only (Wi-Fi disabled).
- We also suggest resetting the connection (router/modem) you are using to connect to the Internet.
- We recommend contacting your ISP to ensure that there are no ongoing issues as well.


Thank you again for visiting the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums!

[Trianna]

I'm sorry but I think you didn't read the thread fully before responding...

This issue happens with different browsers, no VPN, both private and incognito, both wired and through wireless.
Different threads are giving the error coming from the forum servers, not from my device. Again, this is a 403 family error, that's nothing to do with my configuration or the ISP.

Something on the back-end acting up according to the text on the URL.

[Mireille_Bouquet]

Just to chime in.
I have no issues accessing any of the threads or links you have posted.

I am leaning on that there is an issue with your router and/or gateway to your ISP, unless you are having the same issue when access the internet via another method (use your smartphone as a cellular hot spot, go to a friend house and connect via their network, use a school or library internet connection, use a store's WiFi, etc...) then I would say a device issue (however you did say more than one PC was used?)

If it is a router/gateway issue, try power cycling the modem and router or your gateway device (power off/remove it's power cord, wait over 30 seconds, power back on/plug back in, wait about 5 minutes for it to re-sync to your ISP, and then test your links)

Sometimes the modem and/or router will get a corrupted bit of data, that then causes it to start glitching internet traffic, especially those models that have a "speed boost" function, by where it caches frequented web links in it's DNS system so returning visits to those links load faster.
If that cache data get glitched, it keeps trying to load the "bad copy" which then can cause various types of web errors.
Generally, power cycling will clear out the cache and correct the glitches.

If the issue happens with your PCs or other devices (smart phone, tablet, etc..) while on a different internet connection (friend, store, school, etc...) then I would say it might be some regional thing.
Maybe your region is doing some sort of ISP level or government filtering of the internet and those forum threads are getting caught in some sort of "word filter".

[Socram]

I am having the exact same error, if any thread has letters in the URL it gives me a 403 error.

For example:
https://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/...-Police-CIA%29
returns the error, but if I erase the text and leave only the numbers like the following then it works:
https://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/519178