Setup guide

SOCKS Proxy Setup for Windows

Complete guide to configuring SOCKS proxy on Windows using PuTTY.

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📋 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

  • Latest Version (Recommended): Download PuTTY
  • 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.
  • Select SOCKS v5.
  • Check Proxy DNS when using SOCKS v5 so DNS lookups also go through the tunnel (prevents DNS leaks).
  • Important: ALL OTHER ENTRIES MUST BE BLANK.
  • Click OK.

Recommendation: We recommend Firefox with the NoScript and uBlock Origin addons for your best and most configurable privacy protection.

🌐 Windows System Proxy (Internet Options)

The per-protocol SOCKS setting lives in the classic Internet Options dialog. Chrome and Edge use the Windows system proxy by default, so configuring SOCKS here covers them too:

Configure the System SOCKS Proxy

  • Open Internet Options from the Control Panel (or search the Start menu for it).
  • 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, then OK, then OK again to apply.

🌐 Modern Browsers (Chrome / Edge)

Chrome / Edge Configuration

The modern Windows Settings proxy page has no SOCKS-specific field, so use one of these instead:

  • Easiest: Configure the Windows System Proxy (Internet Options) as described above. Chrome and Edge follow it automatically.
  • Alternative (Chrome only, per-shortcut): Launch Chrome with the proxy on its command line: chrome.exe --proxy-server="socks5://127.0.0.1:5000" (add this to a desktop shortcut’s Target field). All Chrome windows must be closed first for the flag to take effect.

For the best control over SOCKS behavior, including remote DNS, we still recommend Firefox.

🔧 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: Make sure “Proxy DNS when using SOCKS v5” is checked in Firefox’s proxy settings.

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.