VPN's issues and the Directory

[Motul1974]

Is anyone else experiencing issues using this site whilst using a VPN? im on Surfshark and all of a sudden cannot access this forum and some others whilst logged on. Only stated today being an issue!

 

[artschool]

Surfshark VPN is preventing access (or login) to The Stalking Directory (thestalkingdirectory.co.uk), a UK-based forum for hunting/stalking.


This is a common issue with VPNs—either the VPN’s security features flag the site, the site detects the VPN IP and blocks it, or there’s a temporary server/DNS problem.


Quick Troubleshooting Steps


Try these in order:


1. Disable CleanWeb (and other blockers)


• Open the Surfshark app → Features tab.


• Turn off CleanWeb (this blocks ads/trackers but can falsely block legitimate sites like forums).


• Also try disabling Kill Switch or Bypasser if enabled.


• Test the site again.


2. Switch to a different server/location


• Connect to a different UK server (or nearby country like Netherlands, Germany, etc.) instead of your current one.


• Avoid “Quick Connect” — manually pick servers and test a few. Some IPs get blacklisted by sites.


3. Change the VPN protocol


• Go to Settings → VPN Settings → Protocol.


• Test WireGuard (usually fastest), then OpenVPN (UDP), then TCP.


• Restart the app/device after changing.


4. Other quick fixes


• Restart your device and router.


• Clear browser cache/cookies (or try a different browser/incognito).


• Flush DNS: On Windows, run Command Prompt as admin and type ipconfig /flushdns.


• Temporarily disable any antivirus/firewall or other VPNs/extensions.


• Try connecting without the VPN first to confirm the site works normally.


5. Advanced options if needed


• Update/reinstall the Surfshark app.


• Disable IPv6 in your network settings.


• Use Surfshark’s browser extension only (or vice versa).


• Contact Surfshark support via the app — they can check for account/server issues.


If the site works fine without the VPN but you need privacy, a different server + CleanWeb off usually solves it. Let me know your device (Windows, Android, etc.) and exact error message for more tailored advice!

 

[HonestJohn]

Is anyone else experiencing issues using this site whilst using a VPN? im on Surfshark and all of a sudden cannot access this forum and some others whilst logged on. Only stated today being an issue!

Try changing your location

 

[slider]

No problem with Nord VPN

 

[Motul1974]

Surfshark VPN is preventing access (or login) to The Stalking Directory (thestalkingdirectory.co.uk), a UK-based forum for hunting/stalking.


This is a common issue with VPNs—either the VPN’s security features flag the site, the site detects the VPN IP and blocks it, or there’s a temporary server/DNS problem.


Quick Troubleshooting Steps


Try these in order:


1. Disable CleanWeb (and other blockers)


• Open the Surfshark app → Features tab.


• Turn off CleanWeb (this blocks ads/trackers but can falsely block legitimate sites like forums).


• Also try disabling Kill Switch or Bypasser if enabled.


• Test the site again.


2. Switch to a different server/location


• Connect to a different UK server (or nearby country like Netherlands, Germany, etc.) instead of your current one.


• Avoid “Quick Connect” — manually pick servers and test a few. Some IPs get blacklisted by sites.


3. Change the VPN protocol


• Go to Settings → VPN Settings → Protocol.


• Test WireGuard (usually fastest), then OpenVPN (UDP), then TCP.


• Restart the app/device after changing.


4. Other quick fixes


• Restart your device and router.


• Clear browser cache/cookies (or try a different browser/incognito).


• Flush DNS: On Windows, run Command Prompt as admin and type ipconfig /flushdns.


• Temporarily disable any antivirus/firewall or other VPNs/extensions.


• Try connecting without the VPN first to confirm the site works normally.


5. Advanced options if needed


• Update/reinstall the Surfshark app.


• Disable IPv6 in your network settings.


• Use Surfshark’s browser extension only (or vice versa).


• Contact Surfshark support via the app — they can check for account/server issues.


If the site works fine without the VPN but you need privacy, a different server + CleanWeb off usually solves it. Let me know your device (Windows, Android, etc.) and exact error message for more tailored advice!

Perfect. Working a treat now. Thanks ever so much