Removing proxy settings

1. What is a proxy server?
2. Removing proxies in Internet Explorer 7
3. Removing proxies in Safari
4. Removing proxies in Firefox

1. What is a proxy server?

A proxy server is a server which requests for data are passed through. There are various reasons why a proxy may be used, some companies will use a proxy for security reasons. If you are using a proxy service through an ISP, this is typically done to reduce the amount of bandwidth used across the Provider's network.

E.g. if there is a common file being downloaded, such as updates to Microsoft Windows, a proxy server may store a copy of the downloaded file. This means it doesn't have to be downloaded from the Microsoft servers each time it is requested.

2. Removing proxies in Internet Explorer 7

Start Internet Explorer. Click Tools then select Internet Options:

Click the Connections tab, then click LAN settings:

Make sure the Use a proxy server for your LAN box is unticked and click OK:

Click OK to return to the main Internet Explorer window:

You have now stopped using any proxy settings which may have been present.

3. Removing proxies in Safari

Start Safari. Click the Safari menu and select Preferences:

Click the Advanced tab:

Click the Change Settings button:

Now change your settings, see the information below the diagram for details:

Choose your location from the list, this is generally Automatic. Select your connection method, if using a wired connection this will be Built-in Ethernet, for wireless choose Airport. Click the Proxies tab. Ensure each proxy in the list is unticked. Once you are done, click Apply Now to finish.

You have now stopped using any proxy settings which may have been present.

4. Removing proxies in Firefox

Start Firefox. Click Tools and select Options:

Click the Advanced tab:

In the Advanced tab click the Network tab:

Click the Settings button:

Click Direct connection to the Internet then click the OK button to confirm this change:

You have now stopped using any proxy settings which may have been present.

Page last updated 10th December 2008