Apex uses http://update.apexdc.net/version.xml as the update URL. update.apexdc.net is a CNAME to vhost.sourceforget.net. Note the extra t. If you visit update.apexdc.net, you get redirected to some shady scam site: ww1.survey-prize.com Meaning my system log after restarting Apex is filled with this, since Apex will not stop checking: [20150716/1911] DHT bootstrap error: An attempt was made to access a socket in a way forbidden by its access permissions. (http://survey-prize.com/) [20150716/1911] Update Check: could not download digital signature (An attempt was made to access a socket in a way forbidden by its access permissions.) Perhaps the CNAME could be changed to point to the right host? I don't know how long this has been broken. I only restart due to monthly windows updates.