What is what to do when a website won't load?

If a website won't load, here's a systematic approach to troubleshooting:

1. Check Your Internet Connection: The most basic step is to verify that you have an active and stable internet connection. Try loading other websites. If none load, the problem is likely with your internet service. Check your modem and router. Restarting these devices often resolves connectivity issues.

2. Verify the Website Address: Double-check the website address (URL) you've entered. Typos are a common cause of loading errors. Ensure it's spelled correctly and that the domain extension (.com, .org, .net, etc.) is accurate.

3. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: Accumulated cache and cookies can sometimes interfere with website loading. Clear your browser's cache and cookies. The process varies depending on your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge), but it's typically found in the browser's settings or history menu.

4. Try a Different Browser: If clearing the cache doesn't work, try loading the website in a different browser. This helps determine if the issue is specific to your primary browser.

5. Disable Browser Extensions/Add-ons: Browser extensions or add-ons can sometimes cause conflicts. Try disabling them one by one to see if any are preventing the website from loading. If you find a problematic extension, update or remove it.

6. Check Website Status: The website might be down due to maintenance or technical issues on their end. Use a website status checker (search online for "website status checker") to see if the website is generally accessible.

7. Disable Firewall/Antivirus Temporarily: In rare cases, your firewall or antivirus software might be blocking the website. Temporarily disable them (while being mindful of security risks) to see if that resolves the issue. If it does, adjust your firewall or antivirus settings to allow access to the website.

8. Flush DNS Cache: Your computer stores DNS records to speed up website loading. Sometimes, these records can become outdated or corrupted. Flushing your DNS cache can resolve this. The process varies depending on your operating system.

9. Change DNS Servers: Your internet service provider assigns DNS servers. Sometimes, using public DNS servers (like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS) can improve connection speed and reliability. You can change your DNS server settings in your operating system's network settings.

10. Contact Website Support: If none of the above steps work, the problem might be on the website's side. Look for a "Contact Us" or "Support" link on the website (if you can access any part of it through search engines) or search for the website's official contact information and reach out to their support team.