How do I fix the "403 restricted error" with the "openresty" message when trying to visit a friends' site on a custom domain linked through Webflow?

The 403 Forbidden error with an OpenResty message typically indicates an issue with permissions or access settings on a custom domain linked through Webflow. Here's how you can address this issue:

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1. Check the Domain Connection

• Ensure that the custom domain is connected properly in the Webflow Project Settings under the Hosting tab.
• Verify the domain status shows as "Connected" and there are no issues with the connection.

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2. Review DNS Settings

• Ensure that the A records are set correctly. For Webflow, you usually need (a) 75.2.70.75 and (b) 99.83.190.102.
• Check if the CNAME record is pointing to proxy-ssl.webflow.com, which is typically required for custom domains.

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3. Webflow Firewall and Security Settings

• Confirm that there are no restrictions in place that might prevent access from specific IP ranges or regions.
• Check any firewall or security settings that could be restricting access to the custom domain.

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4. SSL Settings

• Ensure that SSL is enabled in your Webflow project, as improper SSL settings can sometimes result in access errors.
• Check for any SSL certificate issues, which could cause the browser to block access.

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5. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

• Clear the cache and cookies in your browser to ensure that outdated or corrupt data isn't causing the issue.

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6. Check for Server-Side Issues

• Verify with Webflow support or your web hosting provider to rule out server-side settings or configurations that might be causing the error.

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Summary

Resolving a 403 Forbidden error with OpenResty typically involves ensuring proper domain connection and DNS settings in Webflow, checking security configurations, and verifying SSL settings are correctly applied. Always consider reaching out to Webflow support if the issue persists to check for server-side factors.