BBG Server (Ning) sudden dropouts/unable to connect to

[Leo Nguyen]

Hi everyone. It appears in the recent months, people are getting more and more dropouts, or cut-offs from BBG Server (Ning), and unable to connect to BBG website. For one thing, this is beyond BBG's control. It's server issues that the tech personnel at Ning service provider needs to remediate, and the tech freaks here at BBG could only find ways around things to resolve/assist BBG's family.

Sorry for the inconvenient y'all. However, after assisting quite a few people, I discovered the issues:

1. Ning server tends to reset its connections during maintenance period. Maintenance period can be unexpected. During these resets, although they were quick, members tend to lose connections for a few hours, sometimes, days, and worst case scenario, weeks. I got a member that still can't get connected normally through his own internet service provider.

2. Ning server's security caused false positive returns as parking and sniffing domains. Some internet service providers will think that the BBG website is a harmful website, and put a block on it. Some internet providers allow their clients to control if the site's access by performing a simple task: lowering down the security for their firewall, or security settings in their browser. I'll explain on how to do that later.

3. Security login in page tends to "expire" and you have to clear your cache and history to refresh the BBG website after resets. It mimics that of the bank and credit card websites' security protocols. It's a pain, but if you want to get back into BBG, it has to be done for your security. Don't shoot this messenger. I discovered it, and providing you the info. No one told any of us about it.

There are several ways to get things cleared up and reconnect to BBG, and various servers, but here are the quick ones. I'll post for PC users, but MAC products will have the same follow through process:

Access your internet options, and reduce the total security:

At the bottom right of your Windows 7, 8, or 10, you'll see this Windows Start icon. Click on it, and you'll see a SEARCH PROGRAMS and FILES box that you can type.

Type in:  INTERNET OPTIONS

The results will display the little icon, with the label "Internet Options". Click on it to open up the Internet Options small window.

If you use Internet Explorer, simply click on the "Delete" button, and select ALL the checkboxes, and delete all the cache and history info. If you're using Google Chrome or FireFox, you have to do something else slightly different.

Now, click on the SECURITY tab after you've completely clear up the cache and history. 

You'll see a button CUSTOM LEVEL...Click that button, and you'll see a security level adjustment at the bottom.

If you see "Reset to: Medium-High (Default)", crank it down to "MEDIUM", and if that still don't let you access BBG, crank it to "MEDIUM-LOW" or even "LOW" to test things out. Click OK button, and OK again to close up the Internet Options window.

If you are using Google Chrome and FireFox, you have to clear the cache and History differently. Open up the web browser, and look at the top right side of the browser for the "..." icon.

Click on the icon, and you'll see the options "SETTINGS" under Google Chrome. For FireFox, it's the "OPTIONS" button. Click on the SETTINGS option. In Google Chrome, you can type the search word, and things will get pulled up. In FireFox, you have to navigate around to find your under your PRIVACY option on the left side.

Type the word into the search box:  Cache

The button "Clear Browsing Data" will show up. Clear everything!! since the dawn of time itself. Just a warning, you will have to relog back into your various other sites that SAVED your passwords in the past.

Once done cleaning, reboot your system.