Cannot view WordPress Login page – 403 Error

[bill]

Hello, AITpro.

In brief, I just tried to login to my website/s and I am getting an error (403) message. I’m presently using the additional code (for htacess) designed limit access to the wp-login page itself….. I have it set to allow my IP address only. That said, nothing has changed since my last login attempts (just yesterday).

In an effort to troubleshoot: when renaming the htaccess file, I was still receiving the 403 error message. And, when I tried renaming the bps folder itself… though I didn’t receive a 403 error message, I was sent to a “page not found” page (instead of the the login page). Not sure what went wrong or how to remedy. Please advise.

Thanks,
Bill

Edit: It actually takes me to a “no results found” page, not a “page not found” page.

[AITpro Admin]

Your IP address will be changed regularly by your ISP (Internet Service Provider) – typically every 3-7 days.  Deleting your root .htaccess file should allow you to login to your website.  If you have AutoRestore/Quarantine turned on then you can rename the /bulletproof-security plugin folder temporarily to disable AutoRestore/Quarantine BEFORE deleting your root .htaccess file.  Renaming the /bulletproof-security plugin folder would not be related at all to being able to view, access or log into your site.  My guess is you renamed the /plugins folder instead of the /bulletproof-security plugin folder.

See this Forum Topic link below for instructions on how to use 1, 2 or 3 octets of your IP address.  If your ISP regularly changes the last octet of your IP address then you would use the first 3 octets, if your ISP changes the last 2 octets then use the first 2 octets, if your ISP changes the last 3 octets then your would use ONLY the first octet of your IP address.

http://forum.ait-pro.com/forums/topic/protect-login-page-from-brute-force-login-attacks/

[bill]

I just renamed the bps folder (wp content > plugins > bulletproof security) then I deleted the htaccess. I was sent back to the “no results found” page. Although, all of the files are there on my hosting backend, its almost like WP isn’t there. (?)

[AITpro Admin]

Try uploading a standard default WordPress .htaccess file.  You can use the default.htaccess file here:  /bulletproof-security/admin/htaccess/default.htaccess.  Download that file and upload it to your website root folder and rename it to .htaccess.

[bill]

Its very strange (and quite random)… My htacess file now looks like this and I’m still getting the no results found page.

# BEGIN WordPress

<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule . /index.php [L]
</IfModule>

# END WordPress

[bill]

Just changed it back while trying to figure it out… felt exposed.

I also tried deleting the…

 # CUSTOM CODE BOTTOM HOTLINKING/FORBID COMMENT SPAMMERS/BLOCK BOTS/BLOCK IP/REDIRECT CODE
# Protect wp-login.php from Brute Force Login Attacks
<FilesMatch "^(wp-login\.php)">..........

….code at the bottom of the htaccess file after renaming the bps folder… to no avail.

[AITpro Admin]

I have never come across this before so I have no idea what the issue/problem is.  Not really sure what to tell you here.  I guess check with your web host and see what they say.  “No Results Found” to me is some kind of search results and is not any kind of standard HTTP error message.  When I google this I find random results relating to problems with searches and nothing related to a website domain or website being up or down. Your Host will be able to tell you where the problem is coming from.

[bill]

Agreed. Very odd. I’ll update the thread when I hear something… thanks.

[bill]

I’m in… The IP address had changed. Updating everything now. Thanks again!

Fyi: The tech support guy was like “whoa” when he saw the htaccess file. I proceeded to tell him that you’re the man, BPS is the best, etc. I  sent him to your wordpress plugin page (this was all before we figured out what was going on btw), but I encouraged him to get the paid version and to donate when possible. He agreed. He said he’ll be purchasing  for his website when he gets off today. 🙂

[AITpro Admin]

hmm odd that the steps you aleady had done did not get you into your website???  I thought of something else too – maybe the “no results found” page is a page that your particular Host adds for handling/redirecting errors.  Any way thanks for confirming that you got it figured out.  And thanks for spreading the word.  Very much appreciated.

[bill]

“hmm odd that the steps you already had done did not get you into your website???”

My thoughts, exactly. If it was an IP address issue (solely), I count at least three things suggested/tried should’ve got me in… very odd across the board.

 

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