Hi everyone. I hope this may gain fruit , perhaps I can have my mind put at rest. My computer keeps throwing up problems with security certificates pop ups, and WOL seems to trigger it, sometimes closing it down instantly. I have had checks done, and it may well be a malware problem. Today after a break of four days to remove any threats, A full page warning came up recommending to close the webpage with three possible actions, none of which I selected. The warning was headed up "navigation blocked." Please help !

Ray

Hi Ray,

I assume it is your web browser which gives the warning / error rather than some other software on your computer?

Would it be possible for you to copy the text of the error message that you see?

Thanks,

Paul

Thanks Colin for adding your experience; I imagine this kind of intervention is pretty much inevitable but it can unnerve!

Paul, I have scanned the document in question, but can't see how to send it on this post. The message has the following signature: res://ieframe.dll/invalidcert.htm?SSL.Error=58720384 and is headed :There is a problem with this website's security certificate. Then: The security certificate presented by this website was not issued by a trusted certificate authority. The security certificate presented by this website was issued for a different website's address. Security certificate problems may indicate an attempt to fool you or intercept any data you send to the server. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU CLOSE THIS WEBPAGE AND DO NOT CONTIINUE TO THIS WEBSITE.
Then: three icons to select: Click here to close this webpage.
Continue to this website (not recommended).

More information.
Yes, it is the browser that sends this . My internet browser is TalkTalk.


Thanks for your interest. Ray

how do ray. two reasons this could be happening, one much easier than the other.

first, check your system clock and time, make sure its up to date. quite often these errors are thrown up due to an o.o.d time or date. so have a look at that and let me know if that works. the second reason is a bit more complicated but i can help if you need it

Additionally, what malware checks have you performed and with what software? This is very likely NOT a malware issue.

Hi Colin, I don't think this issue sounds like it's directly related to the site. We don't have any popup ads. It could be caused by an app on your phone. See for example http://forums.androidcentral.com/verizon-htc-rezound/179748-congratulations-you-have-won-pop-ups-should-i-worry-2.html. No sure if what is described here is the same as what you see but may be helpful.

Ray, I agree with Stu that this isn't a malware issue. Your browser is complaining about the security certificate that Write Out Loud uses. I'm not sure why as our certificate is definitely valid (it isn't self-signed).

Obviously, you can post here. Are you doing that with a different system or different browser?

I think Stu is pointing you in the right direction. Certificates can be invalid if your system clock isn't set reasonably accurately.

Are you on an older version of Windows and do you regularly install Windows updates? It may not trust our certificate if it hasn't been updated for a while. This advice may help if you don't find it too technical https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc754841.aspx#BKMK_addlocal. You need to make sure "DST Root CA X3" is a trusted root certificate. (Please note, I have not tested these instructions myself as I do not currently have a system to recreate your problem).

THanks Stu, and thanks Paul . To try and rid myself of this alert about certificates I have had the computer checked by a trusted expert who assures me that the problem is caused by malware - even though I had investigated alternatives online (legitimate notification).
In addition to the page I sent I am getting Revocation certificate alerts which offer a view of certificate in question. Very hard to bypass.

The date and time are fine, and my guy has done all necessary updates, he assured me. This pop up comes up even when I am in the Microsoft email inbox without opening them. I am posting using google access to the site only. I don't internet on my phone.
I am still using Windows 7 as a choice , and I wondered if there is a block on automatic updates as I did not opt for the Windows 10?
My guy said that if I still get the popups he is prepared to wipe the hard drive and reinstate all existing programmes
(for no extra charge) .
I do appreciate your help . I am about desperate with this as it does stifle creativity when typing poetry !!

regards Ray

hi ray. i would never go against the word of an expert but i would advise you to let him have a look at the link julian provided, its a pretty comprehensive guide to getting the right certificate. i have personally never heard of a problem like this being caused by malware. malware is a piece of (mal)icious soft(ware) placed onto your computer for a reason, such as to run an advertisement in the background, to run processes you do not want to run and to install software you do not want or need on your computer. i cannot fathom how a piece of malware would cause the security certificate of a website to become invalid. however, i hope it is the case as with a decent malware scanner (i would use malware bytes) this can be removed. unfortunately i still run good ol' XP on my machine so i cannot walk you through how i would go about solving this, but as i said the link above shows you how.
good luck with it anyway, we have all missed you

Paul, I have checked out your link and printed the procedure: It certainly seems to hit the heart of the problem. The trouble is if you have an emphatic answer from an expert repairer there is no comeback face to face but rather than having the hard drive wiped I will carry on battling.

Very kind of you to take the trouble, thanks a lot.

Thanks for thoughts Colin. I will set google chrome up as I found the icon on the taskbar already. Am I a numpty or what? Very useful advice I'm sure. I can't afford to do anything re big changes by the way, I live on a pension basically!!

Ray

Thanks Stu, and your common sense seems to make sense rather than the "expert" black and white advice I went with. I think I have enough material to move forward now. It has been frustrating but I am trying to post a few here and there!

Ray

Hi Colin, full of trepidation I downloaded Google Chrome on to my Windows 7 , and am thrilled to bits with the ease that it accesses all the websites I use.
So thanks mate. Appreciate your advice.

Ray

Thanks Colin. I am now upgraded to Windows 10 - more secure apparently and i'm finding it actually less hassle. The certificate thing disappeared(fingers crossed) but I got a false alert with a phone number by opening up a link to Donald Trump supposedly being arrested. Obviously just waiting for trouble! All cleaned up now.

Cheers Ray