Well, AVG free edition might be your first problem. Sometimes AVP's can rewrite your HTTP headers or mask certain cookies in your cache. If CBT is using a Bad Behavior type protection it wouldn't allow you access because of it. However, I personally don't believe it's an HTTP problem with your browser because we use a Bad Behavior type here. However, it could very well be a malignant cookie or your AVG is blocking CBT's forum for being unsafe - which is probably likely. Has your software been update recently? Sometimes they'll automatically. You may not be aware it has happened.
You should also check your AVG and see if they have a blocked site list or an exception list where you can add the CBT site URL - for example, I use Vipre Premium and with all of the firewall/third-party blocking features I have to add certain sites, like Solaris7, to a "safe" list.
The simple list of possible fixes is always progressive.
1. Clear the Browser Cache
2. Check your Browser Security Settings
3. Check your Anti-Virus/Firewall Settings
4. Test the Site on another Browser
5. Test your Internet Connect - Trace Route, etc.
Once you've gotten past #5 the possible causes start to take a turn for the worse. Sadly, I have to tell you that AVG Free is not enough protection for your computer. If you operate Outlook, open mail attachments, view Java or Flash, and download files from places like CBT the probability of possibly catching something slow and insidious skyrockets.
This is why it's particularly important to use a more secure browser like Firefox or Safari - where development actively works to prevent infection. Cripes, even Chrome is a better choice than IE and that browser is bare bones.
However, before freaking out run through steps 1-5 (your ISP provider can help you run #5 - which tests to see if there is any blockage between your computer and the CBT servers.) #5 can be especially important because certain ISPs sometimes suffer cross server issues between hosting companies and their services. Verizon and ComCast for example are especially well known for blocking sites hosted on GoDaddy (sometime's the Quest Servers go on the fritz - then boom!)
Either way Red, I'd update your anti-virus/firewall software immediately. They're worth their weight in gold compared to the cost of computer repairs or a new purchase and (if good) can actively counter some of our bad surfing habits. Upgrading or exchanging can also be retro-active, so if there is an infection or problem, the software might be able to isolate, block and correct it. Lastly, update your browser. Explain to your wife the benefits of using a more secure browser (especially if you're not using decent anti-Virus software) and the pitfalls of relying solely on IE. Also try to sell her on the Anti-Virus. Remember, real anti-virus protection costs about a single tank of gas for a full year worth of active protection. Computer repair averages about 3-to-4 full tanks and a brand new computer a dozen or more.
Removing IE and all of its slimy tendrils is virtually impossible. Attempting to do so will only make your computer worse. If IE is the problem, switching to a new browser circumvents the problem all together during the short interim while you work a more permanent solution.
Hope this helps a little. Keep me informed.
