question regarding problems with this site

[Buzzman]

Hi folks,

Just wondering if anyone else is having problems with how this site is running/performing on their computers.
For the past few months, it has been very problematic for me.
The site runs extremely slow at times, then gets hung up (frozen), or sometimes gives me a script error, and at times I cannot exit without going into Task Manager and doing a forced shutdown of my browser.
It does the same thing on multiple computers. I have no problems with any other sites.
It frustrates the hell out of me, and prevents me from responding to queries in the forum I usually visit (Pathfinder forum).
Even posting this topic in General Chat took three attempts.
Has anyone else experienced these types of problems with this site?
FYI, it doesn't matter which version of windows I'm on either.
Thanks.

[AZhitman]

Haven't heard any of late. Sounds like a caching issue - Make sure all browsers are updated (some don't notify you), and then close out and clear cache. If it cached stuff during one of our maintenance periods, it'd act up on subsequent pageloads.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Interesting. I've had some problems in the distant past, but its been golden ever since. I definitely haven't experienced any problems as of late, other than high server load errors with the search function.
Do you run an adblocker? Does the bottom of the browser say anything while its trying to load? ("Waiting for 'xjy.com', etc).

[Rogue One]

I'd like to add to AZhitman and PapaSmurf2k3's suggestions:

1) What web browser are you using? Is it up-to-date? Have you tried using a different one? Firefox OR Chrome
2) Adblock Plus is the most popular adblocker available for Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Safari, Android and Internet Explorer. And it's FREE!
3) How do I clear my web browser's cache, cookies, and history? Directions for both Desktop and Mobile browsers.
4) You indicated it's happening on many different computers. Do you perform regular updates for the operating systems?

[Buzzman]

Well, it did it again as I logged in. Had to restart Nicoclub.
Anyway, I use my laptop most of the time. Running up to date Windows 10.
I use Firefox most of the time, but it also hangs up or runs slow on Explorer.
Browsers are up to date, as are the add-ons.
I also have it set up to delete the cache, history, etc upon exit.
My other computer is an older desktop running XP. Even though it's XP, It actually works really well, except for this site.
Browsers are the latest version on that one as well.
I have Malwarebytes running, but I have shut it down just to see what happens. No change.
Not sure what to make of it all.
Thanks for the help.

[Rogue One]

Have you tried running Firefox in Safe Mode to see if it's a problem with an add-on? You can then try to find which extension is causing it by enabling one extension at a time until the problem reappears. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/tr ... ng+plugins

The Reset Firefox feature can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information.
Note: This will cause you to lose any Extensions, Open websites, and some Preferences.

To Reset Firefox do the following:

1. Go to Firefox > Help > Troubleshooting Information.
2. Click the "Reset Firefox" button.
3. Firefox will close and reset. After Firefox is done, it will show a window with the information that is imported. Click Finish.
4. Firefox will open with all factory defaults applied.

Further information can be found in the Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings article.

Also make sure Flash Player is up-to-date.

You didn't mention adblocker in your reply. This disables ads from showing on websites (which can cause issues). Give it a try after doing the above.

[AZhitman]

Adblocker actually can *cause* some issues, considering some don't serve in the standard way.

Since we went full-responsive, older versions of browsers can have difficulty loading the site (but I don't think that's the issue here).

Let me get webd00d in here to see what he suggests.

[darylzero]

download and run a scan with this, https://toolslib.net/downloads/viewdown ... dwcleaner/

remove anything it finds. Once it's done it will restart your computer. Try the site then.

[szh]

I am using Windows 10 and have tried Microsoft Edge, Chrome and Firefox (albeit not too recently) and am not seeing any degradation in performance.

In your case, one SWAG is that sorta sounds like some page or script is perhaps trying to access a remote site that is not responding quickly (if ever)? Or maybe the DNS servers are not responding quickly.

I'd suggest trying to change your typical two DNS server entries (Google DNS server entries 8.8.8.8 and/or 8.8.4.4, for example) or even use the OpenDNS servers (see www.opendns.com for more information) and see if that cures the problem. Remember to clear the caches (not just for the browser but also for the DNS client on your system).

Z

[Buzzman]

Well, it's been a few months, and after trying several things that I found via googling, the problems persisted.
First I extended the script run time in Firefox, which helped a bit.
I also had my laptop running in power saver mode when plugged in. I changed that to maximum performance (plug in mode only), and that made a huge difference with how fast everything ran.
The Nico website however still ran slow and hung up on script errors.

Good news today though: I found a solution on the Firefox site in the form of an add-on.
It's called YesScript.
With this add-on, you can flag any website and it will stop scripts from loading.
Works like a charm.
Nico now loads and runs super fast, and with the scripts turned off, I have not noticed any problems or differences in how this site looks or runs.
Thought I should share this info.
Cheers.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

That's good intel.