Internet problems solved Browser error messages explained
Do confusing error messages stop you dead in your tracks? Find out what they mean and how to deal with them.
- Is it safe to proceed?
- Should you wait?
- Stop what you're doing altogether?
These questions are answered in our handy guide, with a threat rating for each of the common error messages you might come across, so you'll know exactly what to do.
Key to error message ratings
Threat rating: high stop and take notice, you need to act
Threat rating: medium read the message carefully, then proceed
Threat rating: low a benign alert, OK to continue.
Browser alert: Web forgery
Threat rating: medium
If a website greets you with a warning message 'This site has been reported unsafe' (Internet Explorer) or 'Reported Web Forgery' (Firefox) it's likely that you have inadvertently landed on a phishing website and your browser's phishing filter has blocked its content.
Phishing sites are fake websites that often look like banking sites or other recognised institutions. They are designed by scammers to extract money and personal information from you.
Luckily, most browsers have phishing filters built in these days. To double-check your phishing filter is switched on go to Tools > Options (in Firefox) and select the Security tab. Make sure there's a tick next to 'Block reported web forgeries'.
In Internet Explorer, go to Safety > SmartScreen Filter and select Turn On SmartScreen Filter. If this option is not available from the menu, it means the filter is already switched on.
Related: 5 ways to keep your online accounts safe
Browser warning: Update required
Threat rating: Medium
Those using Internet Explorer (IE) as their chosen browser are unlikely to see this message. All updates for IE are handled via Windows Updates.
Assuming you have Automatic Updates switched on, you shouldn't have to manually update your browser.
Other browsers, including Firefox and Google Chrome, will occasionally need updating to stay secure. By default, your browser should be set to download new updates as they are available.
Firefox, for example, will check for and retrieve the latest updates in the background. Next time you start the browser it will present you with an alert saying that the new version needs to be installed. Follow the prompts.
Browser alert: Javascript errors
Threat rating: low
While surfing the web, your browser may come across mistakes and incompatibilities within the coding of the pages you visit, and you may see an error message on-screen. In most cases, this will manifest as a somewhat subtle 'Done, but with errors on the page' alert on the bottom left edge of your browser window, which you can safely ignore.
Browser alert: Pop-up blocked
Threat rating: low
Pop-ups are small windows that appear while you surf the web. Most are adverts but some can contain malicious links or unsuitable material. By default most browsers these days come with built-in pop-up blockers that are activated by default. See opposite for information on how to check whether your browser's pop-up blocker is switched on and how to allow pop-ups for specific sites.
Your browser will display an alert informing you that it has blocked a pop-up – usually along the top edge of the web page. Most of the time you can just ignore these messages. For more, learn how to block web page pop-ups.
Webpage error: Plug-in required
Threat rating: medium
Most browsers use plug-ins (or add-ons) in order to add some kind of functionality. The most common plug-in is Adobe's Flash Player, which allows you to view video content embedded in many web pages.
If you don't have the correct plug-in installed, this will generate an error message on-screen.
In the case of Flash, you can follow the on-screen links to download the plug-in but don't install plug-ins from sources you don't know. Some companies use Flash to track your online behaviour.
Frustrated by slow-loading websites? Read our Increase your broadband speed guide.
