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Tips for Troubleshooting Proxy Server Settings

The proxy server settings, properly installed, can be relied upon most of the time. Computers being computers, there will be glitches every now and then. Here are some of the things to watch out for and what to do. A lot of problems may arise when you are using the network; and most of the time this could be due to the fact that a component was not configured properly. Now, regardless of the problem, the approach to the situation will require that you supervise and isolate the trouble. This applies not just to a component that is not working but even a host of computers (i.e., if the problem appears in several PCs) running the same proxy server settings. By isolating it, you can better manage and analyze the situation and fix it. However, monitoring should not just take place when trouble arises, but rather the survey should be done even when there are none. In networking parlance this is called setting up a baseline. The benefit of running this procedure is that when something unexpected does happen, you will be in a better position to evaluate the situation. Assume that the problem involves a user who is unable to go to a Web page; one of the things that you can do is to check if the situation applies only to a particular computer or if it is spread across other proxy server settings. Once you have isolated and identified the trouble, check the user and server logs; these can provide some pertinent information that you will find useful. If you are running on the Microsoft Network, check the SOCKS, Winsock, TCP/IP etc). One of the best ways to handle problems like inability to access a page, slow downloading, server message errors, etc is to look back at the records of the computer or the entire network. What makes this very effective is that a lot of times, the problem may have arisen in previous proxy server settings. If this is the case review the steps taken to solve the dilemma. If not, log this situation now so you can use it for future reference. Before applying any solution similar to others, make certain the trouble is identical, so no further complications will emerge. A lot of the problems on networks and browsers can be resolved by taking steps to ensure that all possible scenarios are considered. By keeping well detailed logs, records of previous problems and other vital information, most of the troubles that can emerge will be handled effectively and without causing too many disturbances on the rest of the network or affecting the other proxy server settings on other computers.

About the Author:

Peter Garant has written many articles about Proxies for a recently launched website about School Proxy servers. Visit Tips for Troubleshooting Proxy Server Settings.