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Samsung Blackjack II, AT&T, and the "403 Forbidden" Message When Using IE

I just fixed this for the fourth person I know, so I think it's becoming widespread enough to warrant a post.

When using the Samsung Blackjack II on the AT&T network, you can encounter the message "403 Forbidden" when browsing to a website using Internet Explorer. Soft resets will not alleviate the problem.

A hard reset of the device, wiping it clear of everything _may_ resolve the problem, but there's the pesky issue of restoring contacts, etc.

An easier way to fix this is to open IE. Under Menu, select "Tools", then "Options". In the "Connections", check the box next to "Automatically detect settings". This should resolve the issue.

A side-effect of this fix is that you will no longer be able to access AT&T's sites while configured like this. I don't mind this a bit, as I have never found their sites useful. It is worth noting since AT&T sets your home page for you, you will receive the message "Your Internet connection is not configured properly. Please verify your settings in Connections" when you first open IE. This message does not appear for any non - AT&T sites.

Print | posted on Saturday, December 06, 2008 6:35 PM |

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# re: Samsung Blackjack II, AT&T, and the "403 Forbidden" Message When Using IE

Thanks Dug, I'll try this. I have no idea why I didn't know about your blog, dude! I occasionally get this error and just reset the device -- this will be handy.

I'm on vacation now so that means: more gaming. Catch me on Xbox live.
12/18/2008 10:13 PM | Brian
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# re: Samsung Blackjack II, AT&T, and the "403 Forbidden" Message When Using IE

Thanks so much, Dug! I have been searching for months
for a resolution to this issue. This resolved the issue just
as you said (so far) and I know now not to be concerned
about the message I get when accessing AT&T sites and
Media Net. Don't need them, don't want them!

So glad you posted this.
1/24/2009 2:05 PM | Medimac
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# re: Samsung Blackjack II, AT&T, and the "403 Forbidden" Message When Using IE

Thanks for the post. I found this page from the at&t forum. I've complained about this for awhile, and I just learned to live with it. I will definitely give it a try, since I don't have anything to lose.
1/24/2009 10:37 PM | lawash
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# re: Samsung Blackjack II, AT&T, and the "403 Forbidden" Message When Using IE

Thanks! Checking the box to "automatically detect settings" did the trick and now I don't have to power off and on my BJ2.
4/7/2009 7:55 PM | IE user
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# re: Samsung Blackjack II, AT&T, and the "403 Forbidden" Message When Using IE

Thank you, we've had several complaints at my company. Has anybody figured out how to change the AT&T key that opens IE to link to a site other than AT&T's? I tried changing the home page which works if you go to IE through the menu but not if you use the AT&T logo button.
5/13/2009 9:59 AM | Shannon
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# re: Samsung Blackjack II, AT&T, and the "403 Forbidden" Message When Using IE

Here is another work-around. It appears as if AT&T is pushing some type of setting change to the phone, or possibly there is a bug in the Windows OS running on the phone.

Go to Start, Settings, Connections, GPRS, MEdia Net
Scroll down to Authentication Type:
Change from whatever it is to anything else.
Done
Enter back into MEdia Net
Scroll down to Authentication Type:
Change to None
Done, Done, Done, Done
Launch IE by pressing the ATT globe button on the bottom left of keyboard

It beats Power Off, Power On, plus the dedicated key still works.

Now, be ready, because after a week or even a day, the phone will again give you the 403 Forbidden error.
6/18/2009 1:26 PM | Bob
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# re: Samsung Blackjack II, AT&T, and the "403 Forbidden" Message When Using IE

This worked! Now I'm curious how it *ever* worked!
@Shannon – install Total Commander on your phone, and edit the \Windows\MediaNet.lnk file; I changed mine to:

52#:DEFBROWSER http://www.google.com

which does what it seems to do.

I installed Google Maps and then I changed the file \Windows\AT&T Navigator.lnk to the following:

#"\Program Files\GoogleMaps\GoogleMaps.exe"

That changed the 'GPS' button to do what you'd guess.

See this forum thread [forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=532914] for more hacks.
1/3/2010 10:29 PM | Kenny

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