Why is laptop unable to contact to internet?

angela110660

Using a new work provided laptop to log into workplace server but machine does not seem to have been set properly.
Have been given a proxy number to gain access to the work system and then told to enter user name password etc but cannot see where to input this proxy number to make the laptop connect via our home wireless network (AOL) What can we do?
Help very much appreciated.

custardy

ive never used a proxy really but wouldnt you input the proxy settings in your web browser?

angela110660

We tried that but it did not recognise it as anything. Wondered if there is some setting in Start that we need to use to set it up but not advised of it by work IT people.

phill79

What are the first few chars from the proxy you have been given? That will determine if it is an internal address or not/whether it will work!

davb

A proxy server is normally used from inside a company network to gain access to outside. When a client PC requests a web page, the proxy gets from it from the net on it's behalf, and then passes it back to the client, removing the need for the client to have a direct internet connection. It also allows management logging and restricting of internet access.
It is configured in "Internet Options >Connections >Lan Settings" and normally consists of an IP address (or computer name) and port number.

I have not seen a proxy used to get from out to in, normally a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is used for this. If you configure a proxy at home, it will possibly stop you accessing the net in general (unless the proxy allows it)

Are you sure they haven't given you the connection details as an onsite user rather than offsite.

angela110660

Thank you for your help. we have been given 4 lots of 3 digit numbers separated by full stops then /exchange. then told to input username password and site to logonto. Is that enough info for you to see if we have the correct info?

davb

Sounds like an IP address, but the /exchange makes it like a website.

Have you tried putting the info into Internet Explorer
ie "http://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx/exchange" or could be https

That should hopefully bring up a box for your username and password.