Google refuses to index

[jpb1969]

I have resubmitted my sitemap.xml file to google numerous times.  It keeps giving me an error message, as follows:
General HTTP error: HTTP 403 error (Forbidden)
We encountered an error while trying to access your Sitemap. Please ensure your Sitemap follows our guidelines and can be accessed at the location you provided and then resubmit.

Could there be a problem with the format of the sitemap?

Does the sitemap follow the guidelines?

Jason

[XML-Sitemaps Support]

Hello,

what is the sitemap URL you submit?

[jpb1969]

[ External links are visible to forum administrators only ]

[XML-Sitemaps Support]

Looks like google cannot connect to your server, similar to: https://www.xml-sitemaps.com/forum/index.php/topic,1933.0.html

[jpb1969]

My host made some changes, which have not helped.  Google still shows the same error!  The host now says there is no problem on the server side.

Another issue, why do I get this message when I access the sitemap.xml file???
"This XML file does not appear to have any style information associated with it. The document tree is shown below."
     

[jpb1969]

robots.txt file added.......... problem appears to be solved!

Thanks for the assist.
Jason

[XML-Sitemaps Support]

Excellent! I'm glad it's resolved.