Random ideas from a Computer Man

This is a place for me to store my thoughts in binary...

Feb 25
2010

Domain Name problems for HP AOL Port

Posted by: Matt in MyBlog on Feb 25, 2010

Tagged in: DNS

Sometimes I get some really strange problems to sort. Really random things. The following breakdown is an outline of the problem, random as it is I encountered today.

After completing a router upgrade for a client I set to work on the 'list' of things they wanted me to look at, and if you work in IT support you have no doubt worked through a few lists in your time. One of the things on the list was to do with a user preference for connecting to AOL's homepage to access Sport, News and Financial information, the financial information being the most critical.

The user automatically had the homepage set to a HP port of AOL when they opened the browser and had stuck with it, even grown to like it.
The URL is this - http://hp-commercial.my.aol.co.uk/?icid=desktop
In the middle of this page, is a widget that displays features across four pages with a selection of the latest from AOL News, AOL Sport and AOL Money. You click on a link and (obviously) it opens up a new window.
What was strange is that apparently, for the last several months, the financial links hadn't been working returning a 404.
So I looked at the links and could see they where directed to subdomains of AOL, sport.aol.co.uk, news.aol.co.uk and money.aol.co.uk. I went to each in turn and when I tried to go to money.aol.co.uk it resolves to www.dailyfinancial.co.uk.
The problem is that the HP port of this hasn't recognised the change! If you go to AOL directly and then move to the money section it ports over, but going from the homepage start listed above and you will get the 404.

This isn't a new problem, it has been there for months which got me thinking that the reason it hasn't been spotted or fixed, is that not many people stick with the registry hacked corporate changes that something like a HP desktop will be delivered with....or they don't care about myaol from HP...or they don't care about money, and therefore information about it.

DNS problems aren't always related to internal name spaces, and can catch a company like HP out.  I am going to track how long it is before this gets fixed.


[ Back ]

Network Deployment

keyboard

The Microsoft Windows ® Product Family offers a broad range of tools for developing scalable, secure computer networks. The Windows Server platform is a proven technology integrating Client/Server deployment through Active Directory. This centralised approach builds policy driven infrastructures that create consistent end user experiences and aid in increasing productivity.

System Analysis

profile-system_analysis

How protected is your data? What strategies are in place to deal with security threats? Many businesses rely on technology to improve the bottom line but frequently Network Deployment is focused on the assumption the technology will continue to perform. When expected failure occurs, how confident are you that systems can be fully operational without excessive downtime? We offer system appraisal of your Windows Network to ensure that all the potential weak points are considered and addressed.

Web Design Solutions

web_design

The modern website today has to be able deliver on many different levels. We understand the need to equip our clients with the tools to create fresh, engaging content focused websites that encapsulate their brand. Using proven Content Management Solutions we can develop a platform that focuses on keeping visitors and potential clients informed about your business goals, current projects and future plans.