diff --git a/www/js/init.js b/www/js/init.js
index 6aec16c6..b2781d3a 100644
--- a/www/js/init.js
+++ b/www/js/init.js
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ params['version'] = "0.9.9.82 Beta-dev"; //DEV: do not set this dynamically -- i
 params['packagedFile'] = "wikipedia_en_ray_charles_novid_2018-10.zim"; //For packaged Kiwix JS (e.g. with Wikivoyage file), set this to the filename (for split files, give the first chunk *.zimaa) and place file(s) in default storage
 params['fileVersion'] = "wikipedia_en_ray_charles_novid_2018-10.zim (12-Oct-2018)"; //Use generic name for actual file, and give version here
 params['cachedStartPage'] = false; //If you have cached the start page for quick start, give its URI here
-params['kiwixDownloadLink'] = "http://download.kiwix.org/zim/"; //Include final slash
+params['kiwixDownloadLink'] = "https://download.kiwix.org/zim/"; //Include final slash
 
 params['results'] = params['results'] || 15; //Number of search results to display
 params['relativeFontSize'] = ~~(getCookie('relativeFontSize') || 100); //Sets the initial font size for articles (as a percentage) - user can adjust using zoom buttons
diff --git a/www/js/lib/kiwixServe.js b/www/js/lib/kiwixServe.js
index 8b9c925a..41484d2f 100644
--- a/www/js/lib/kiwixServe.js
+++ b/www/js/lib/kiwixServe.js
@@ -352,7 +352,9 @@ define([], function () {
         var xhttpTimeout = setTimeout(ajaxTimeout, 20000);
         function ajaxTimeout() {
             xhttp.abort();
-            document.getElementById('serverResponse').innerHTML = "Connection attempt timed out (failed)";
+            var responseMessageBox = document.getElementById('serverResponse');
+            responseMessageBox.innerHTML = "Connection attempt timed out (failed)";
+            if (/https?:|file:/.test(window.location.protocol)) responseMessageBox.innerHTML = "Browser's CORS Policy disallowed access!";
             document.getElementById('serverResponse').style.display = "inline";
             serverError();
             return;