I am receiving a ''Proxy Not Responding'' error while trying to browse the internet. Why?

A proxy is another computer which serves as a hub or gateway between your computer and a larger –scale network such as the internet. They provide increased performance and security.

Receiving the ''Proxy not responding'' error message while attempting to access a web site, can be triggered by one of two items:

• Incorrect Proxy Settings
• Virus or Malware
  

To resolve proxy not responding, make sure your anti-virus software is up to date, and perform a scan. It is possible you will need to scan more than once to make sure the computer is completely free of infection.

If you need an anti-virus, there are many that can be found online by performing an online search for ''anti-virus software''. If a free download is available, please ensure it is from a reputable source.

If your anti-virus does not find any issue, please check your browser to make sure it has not been set to use one. Instructions for the most popular browsers are included, but Sparklight recommends Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Microsoft Edge (Windows 10)

• Click the three dots in the upper right hand corner, and click Open with Internet Explorer
• (See Instructions for Internet Explorer)

Internet Explorer

• Click The Cog/Gear in the upper right hand corner, then click Internet Options
• Click Connections
• Click LAN Settings
• Ensure ''Use a proxy server for your LAN (These settings will not apply to dial-up or VPN connections)'' is unticked.

Google Chrome (NOTE: Google Chrome uses Internet Explorer's proxy settings)

• Click the three horizontal lines in the upper right hand corner, and click Settings
• Click Settings, and scroll down to the bottom all option. Click Advanced Settings
• Find the button which states ''Change Proxy Settings…''
• Click Connections
• Click LAN Settings
• Ensure ''Use a proxy server for your LAN (These settings will not apply to dial-up or VPN connections)'' is unticked.

Mozilla Firefox

• Click the three horizontal lines in the upper right hand corner, and click Options
• Click on the Wizard Hat on the left
• Click Network at the top middle
• Click Settings next to ''Configure how Firefox connects to the Internet
• Under ''Configure Proxies to Access the Internet, select No Proxy