📋 Before You Begin
Ensure you have your username and SSH password ready. You'll need your SSH server hostname (provided via email when you requested SOCKS access), username, and password to connect to our secure SOCKS proxy servers.
Important: All SOCKS proxy servers are under the cotse.net domain. The codamail.com domain is exclusively for email services. SOCKS access must be requested separately from your email account.
💻 Step 1: Download PuTTY SSH Client
You may use whatever SSH client you wish, but we only provide instructions and links for PuTTY because it is well known and free. Other SSH clients can be found elsewhere, but you are on your own with install and configure issues for anything else.
Download Options:
Alternative Versions: Choose your own version if needed from the PuTTY site
Installation Type: Download either the installer (.msi) or standalone executable (.exe)
Security Note: Always download PuTTY from the official site to ensure you're getting an authentic, unmodified version.
⚙️ Step 2: Configure PuTTY Connection
Initial Setup:
Install and start PuTTY after download
In the "Host Name (or IP address)" field, enter the server name from your welcome email
Leave the port as 22 (default SSH port)
Connection type should be SSH
Save Your Session:
In the "Saved Sessions" field, type: Cotse SSH Tunnel
Click the "Save" button to store this configuration
🔐 Step 3: Configure SOCKS Proxy Tunnel
Navigate to Tunnel Settings:
In the left panel, click the [+] next to "SSH" to expand it
Click on "Tunnels"
Add SOCKS Proxy:
In "Source port" enter: 5000
In "Destination" enter: 127.0.0.1:1080
Leave "Dynamic" unchecked
Click the "Add" button
SOCKS Configuration: Unlike HTTP proxies, SOCKS proxies use port 1080 as the destination and provide a different type of tunneling that works with more applications.
👤 Step 4: Configure Auto-Login
Set Username for Automatic Login:
Navigate to Connection → Data in the left panel
In the "Auto-login username" field, enter your Cotse.Net username (all lowercase)
Save Your Complete Configuration:
Click "Session" in the left panel to return to the main screen
Ensure "Cotse SSH Tunnel" is still in the Saved Sessions field
Click "Save" again to store all settings
🚀 Step 5: Connect to SOCKS Proxy
Establish SSH Connection:
PuTTY is now configured - double-click on "Cotse SSH Tunnel" in your saved sessions
If this is your first connection, accept the server's host key
Log in with your Cotse username (all lowercase) and your password
Password is case-sensitive and will not echo - just type it and press Enter
Important: Do not close the PuTTY window while using the proxy
Connection Order: PuTTY must always be started first, then launch your web browser. The SOCKS tunnel must be active before browsing.
🦊 Firefox Configuration (Recommended)
Basic SOCKS Setup:
Run Firefox
Click menu (☰) → Settings
Scroll to Network Settings and click Settings
Select Manual proxy configuration
Enter 127.0.0.1 and port 5000 in the SOCKS Host line ONLY
Important: ALL OTHER ENTRIES MUST BE BLANK!
Click OK
Enable Remote DNS (Recommended):
To enable remote DNS lookups for enhanced privacy:
In the browser location bar, type about:config and press Enter
Accept the warning if prompted
In the search box, type: network.proxy.socks
Find network.proxy.socks_remote_dns and double-click it
The value will change from false to true
If double-click doesn't work, right-click and select Toggle
Close Firefox and restart it
Recommendation: We recommend Firefox with the NoScript and AdBlock Plus addons for your best and most configurable privacy protection.
🌐 Internet Explorer Configuration
Configure IE SOCKS Proxy:
Run Internet Explorer
Click Tools → Internet Options
Click the Connections tab
Click LAN Settings
Check the checkbox for "Use a proxy server for your LAN"
Click Advanced
Enter 127.0.0.1 and port 5000 in the SOCKS line ONLY
Important: ALL OTHER ENTRIES MUST BE BLANK!
Click OK
Click OK again
Click OK again
🌐 Modern Browsers (Chrome/Edge)
Chrome/Edge Configuration:
Open Chrome or Edge
Go to Settings → Advanced → System
Click Open your computer's proxy settings
In Windows Settings, click Manual proxy setup
Toggle Use a proxy server ON
Click Advanced
Enter 127.0.0.1:5000 in the SOCKS field only
Leave all other fields blank
Click Save
🔧 Understanding SOCKS Proxy
SOCKS vs HTTP Proxy:
SOCKS Proxy: Works at a lower network level, supporting more protocols than just HTTP
Port Configuration: Uses port 1080 as destination (vs ports 8888/8080/9999 for HTTP)
Application Support: Works with more applications beyond web browsers
Protocol Flexibility: Supports TCP and UDP traffic routing
Important Configuration Notes:
SOCKS Only: Only configure the SOCKS proxy field - leave HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP fields blank
Remote DNS: Enable remote DNS lookups in Firefox for better privacy
Single Tunnel: One PuTTY connection handles all SOCKS traffic
🔧 Troubleshooting
Common SOCKS proxy issues and solutions:
Connection Refused: Verify your SSH server hostname is correct
Authentication Failed: Username must be lowercase, password is case-sensitive
Proxy Not Working: Ensure PuTTY window remains open while browsing
Browser Can't Connect: Verify SOCKS settings point to 127.0.0.1:5000 and other fields are blank
PuTTY Closes Immediately: Check if SOCKS access is enabled for your account
DNS Leaks: Enable remote DNS in Firefox (network.proxy.socks_remote_dns = true)
Windows-Specific Issues:
Windows Firewall: May need to allow PuTTY through firewall
Antivirus Blocking: Add PuTTY to antivirus exceptions
System Proxy Conflicts: Disable other proxy software while using SOCKS
Corporate Networks: Port 22 may be blocked, contact support for alternatives
📞 Need Help?
If you need additional assistance with SOCKS proxy setup on Windows or encounter any issues not covered in this guide, please contact our support team at helpdesk@codamail.com.
We're here to help ensure your SOCKS proxy works perfectly and keeps your browsing secure and private.
