False ban?

**Syne** · Jan 17, 2026 09:08 PM

Using Firefox on Windows but haven't have any problem. But I also never log out and I'm in the middle of the country, perhaps far from abused IPs.

**C C** · (This post was last modified: Jan 17, 2026 09:17 PM by C C.)

This... try first before resorting to VPN. Informed Yazata to do the same.

(Jan 17, 2026 08:34 PM)stryder Wrote: There is no bans on IP's currently. (I revoked the lot) so the only possibly conclusion is perhaps some hidden stored information in your browser.

In Firefox its listed as 'Temporary cached files and pages" (in fact searching the bolded in google should pull other browsers methods of removal too)

Do note it's separate from cookies/stored logins, although clearing them can make sure the problem isn't there either.

That should sort out any lingering errors.

**Secular Sanity** · Jan 17, 2026 09:37 PM

(Jan 17, 2026 09:11 PM)C C Wrote: This... try first before resorting to VPN. Informed Yazata to do the same.

(Jan 17, 2026 08:34 PM)stryder Wrote: There is no bans on IP's currently. (I revoked the lot) so the only possibly conclusion is perhaps some hidden stored information in your browser.

In Firefox its listed as 'Temporary cached files and pages" (in fact searching the bolded in google should pull other browsers methods of removal too)

Do note it's separate from cookies/stored logins, although clearing them can make sure the problem isn't there either.

That should sort out any lingering errors.

Tried that without the VPN, and I could see the site, but tried to respond to this post, and it said I was banned again, and didn't post. Used a VPN again for this response.

**Magical Realist** · (This post was last modified: Jan 17, 2026 09:38 PM by Magical Realist.)

I cleared all my cookies and caches for the past 7 days and just went from being logged in and banned to being a guest and being banned! I have no idea about any other clearing options with my Chrome browser. Off I go again!

**C C** · Jan 17, 2026 09:38 PM

(Jan 17, 2026 09:08 PM)Syne Wrote: Using Firefox on Windows but haven't have any problem. But I also never log out and I'm in the middle of the country, perhaps far from abused IPs.

Apart from one thread, the whole forum is invisible now when one is logged out. I presume that's intentional so as to maximally obstruct the bots.

**stryder** · (This post was last modified: Jan 17, 2026 09:50 PM by stryder.)

Lets get this straight, is it actually a message that says you are banned or a 403 Forbidden message.?

**Secular Sanity** · (This post was last modified: Jan 17, 2026 10:07 PM by Secular Sanity.)

(Jan 17, 2026 09:44 PM)stryder Wrote: Lets get this straight, is it actually a message that says you are banned or a 403 Forbidden message.?

Trying again with the VPN. It worked.

Nope. Second try without VPN failed.

This is the message: "I'm sorry, but you are banned. You may not post, read threads, or access the forum. Please contact your forum administrator should you have any questions."

**stryder** · Jan 17, 2026 10:23 PM

Just had another look. It's possible there was another cache in the forum backend. Thats now been purged.

**C C** · Jan 17, 2026 10:39 PM

(Jan 17, 2026 10:23 PM)stryder Wrote: Just had another look. It's possible there was another cache in the forum backend. Thats now been purged.

I'll relay that to Yazata. He's got a Chromebook and just about to give up the ghost and move solely to Religious Forums.

**Magical Realist** · (This post was last modified: Jan 17, 2026 10:50 PM by Magical Realist.)

Well well..it looks like that did it! (cross my fingers!)..

Thanks to all for your help.