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People use proxy servers for several reasons, including improving corporate and institutional security, increasing user privacy, and providing access to geographically restricted content.
One of the main reasons people choose to use proxy servers is to improve their overall security and privacy when accessing the internet. These servers anonymize web traffic by masking the user’s IP address with the proxy server. This helps protect against data breaches and other security threats and shields users from unwanted surveillance or tracking by advertisers or third parties.
In addition to enhancing security, proxies can also be used to provide access to geographically restricted content. For example, many streaming media services are only available in certain regions due to licensing restrictions or other factors. A proxy server can allow users in these areas to bypass these restrictions and access unavailable content.
Recently, many Metatrader users have had problems installing MT4 or MT5 on Mac, Linux, or Windows because they got a pop-up with the text “Please specify the proxy server options.” The problem is that most Metatrader users do not have a proxy server, only regular internet access.
Fix Proxy Server Problem During Installing MT5 or MT4
If you have “Please specify the proxy server options” on your Windows PC or MAC, the problem usually exists because your antivirus software blocks MT4 to MT5 internet connections. Old versions of the Metatrader platform can also show proxy server problems.
My latest video:
To fix the proxy server problem while installing MT4 or MT5, turn off antivirus software and use the latest stable installations of a legally branded brokerage. In that case, your MetaTrader software installation should not be a problem.
Please see my video related to this topic (Firewall problem and Proxy):
A few years ago, I had a problem with my MAC when I wanted to have the old version in a language other than English. I fixed the problem by installing a brand-new, stable version of HFM and the FxPro MT4 platform.
Try to allow your MT4 in Windows OS to be excluded from Windows Defender blocking:
Proxy server problem if you already use a Proxy or VPN
Suppose you are experiencing a problem with your MetaTrader software during installation and use a proxy. In that case, you likely encounter an issue with your proxy server settings.
To resolve this issue, you must access your proxy server settings and ensure they are configured correctly. To do this, navigate to the “Network and Sharing Center” in your Windows Control Panel.
Once there, look for entries related to a “proxy server” or “proxy service” and ensure the appropriate options are enabled. If necessary, try turning off any antivirus software or firewalls running on your computer, as these may also be interfering with the proper functioning of your MT5 or MT4 software.
New Solution for PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR
The error message PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR Typically indicates that the connection to the server was unexpectedly closed while attempting to load a web page. This can occur for various reasons, but it’s often related to network issues caused by a VPN or security services like Cloudflare Warp. Disabling the VPN or changing your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can sometimes resolve this issue by establishing a more stable or compatible connection with the server. In your case, turning off Cloudflare Warp, a service designed to optimize and secure internet connections, helped resolve the connection problem, suggesting that it might have interfered with the website’s security protocols or connectivity.
Proxy Server Problem for Linux Users
sudo pacman -S lib32-gnutls and it resolved your problem; it indicates the issue was related to SSL/TLS connections required by the software you were using.
- GnuTLS is a secure communications library that implements the SSL, TLS, and DTLS protocols used to encrypt and secure network communication.
- The
lib32-gnutlspackage is a 32-bit version of the GnuTLS library designed for compatibility with 32-bit applications running on 64-bit systems.
Why Was It Needed?
- If your software relied on a 32-bit version of GnuTLS for secure communication (e.g., accessing a proxy server over HTTPS or using encrypted connections) and
lib32-gnutlswas missing, and the software couldn’t establish the required connection. - This would lead to failure when the application tried to connect through the proxy, as the necessary cryptographic operations could not be performed.
How Did Installing lib32-gnutls Fix It?
- By installing
lib32-gnutlsYou provided the required library for the application to perform a TLS/SSL handshake and establish secure communication through the proxy server. - Once the library was in place, the software could connect to the proxy server and complete its tasks.
Why Was Proxy Server Data Involved?
- Proxy servers often require secure connections, especially when passing traffic for applications that rely on HTTPS.
- If the software attempted to connect via a proxy but couldn’t establish a secure connection due to missing libraries, it would fail and prompt for proxy settings to troubleshoot.
Fix Proxy Settings in Windows 10
Check Windows Proxy Configuration:
- Open Settings:
- Press
Win + Ito open the Settings menu.
- Press
- Navigate to Network & Internet > Proxy.
- Ensure that:
- Automatically detect settings are turned on (if your network supports automatic configuration).
- If using a manual proxy, ensure the correct IP address and port are entered.
Reset Proxy Settings:
Open a Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
If you’re using software that requires proxy handling, ensure it has the correct settings:
- Check if the software allows you to configure proxy settings manually.
- Update the software to the latest version to ensure compatibility with modern TLS protocols.
Install or Update SSL/TLS Libraries
Windows uses system-wide SSL/TLS libraries provided by the operating system. To ensure they are up-to-date:
Update Windows:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install all available updates.
Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable:
- Many applications require these libraries for network communication.
- Download the latest version from the Microsoft website.
Use a Command-Line Tool to Configure Proxy
For advanced scenarios, use PowerShell:
Open PowerShell as Administrator.
Set the proxy:
To view current settings:
netsh winhttp show proxy
Logs and Diagnostics
For persistent issues:
- Check logs in the application or system logs in Windows Event Viewer (
Win + SType Event Viewer. - Use tools like Wireshark to monitor network traffic and identify the problem.
If you continue to experience problems with these applications after making changes to your proxy settings, contact the support team for assistance. Good luck!
Summary
Many MetaTrader users who encounter proxy errors during installation assume the problem lies only in the absence of a proxy server. However, several other underlying causes can trigger the same message, and understanding them can save time and frustration.
One common misunderstanding is the difference between proxy servers and VPNs. While both tools can hide a user’s IP address, a VPN encrypts the entire connection, whereas a proxy generally works only at the application level. Because of this, MetaTrader may display a proxy error when, in reality,y the problem comes from the way the system handles secure connections.
In some cases, the error “Please specify the proxy server options” is not a direct request for proxy details but rather a generic alert that appears when MetaTrader fails to establish a secure handshake with the broker’s server. For example, outdated network drivers, broken DNS configurations, or blocked ports can all lead to this issue. Updating drivers, flushing DNS, or changing to a reliable DNS provider like Google DNS or Cloudflare can resolve it.
Corporate or institutional users may also face additional hurdles. In managed networks, proxy settings are often enforced by IT departments, and installing MetaTrader without requesting special exceptions may result in the platform constantly asking for proxy credentials. In such cases, the solution is not a local fix but coordination with the administrator.
On macOS, proxy-related problems are sometimes connected to Wine or PlayOnMac compatibility layers. Since many brokers distribute old or non-native builds of MetaTrader, the wrapper environment may fail to process secure network requests. Switching to a broker’s official Mac installer or updating the wrapper,often eliminates these errors.
Another overlooked factor is the role of antivirus and firewall software. Even when exceptions are added manually, security tools can silently quarantine DLLs or block certain networking components, forcing MetaTrader into think proxy configuration is required. Temporarily disabling security software, reinstalling, and then whitelisting MetaTrader afterward can prevent this cycle.
Some users have reported success by running portable or USB-based versions of MetaTrader. Because these versions rely on local configuration rather than system-wide proxy settings, they bypass many of the restrictions that lead to proxy prompts in the first place.
Testing the installation on a different internet connection, such as a mobile hotspot, is another diagnostic step that can reveal whether the problem comes from the device or the internet service provider. If the proxy error disappears when using mobile data, the root cause is likely the ISP, router, or network firewall.
It is also worth noting that repeated proxy prompts can sometimes appear when a broker has changed its server addresses. In these cases, manually updating the login server details within MetaTrader resolves the issue without altering any proxy settings. Advanced users can go even deeper by inspecting the config and logs folders in the MetaTrader installation directory, which often reveal whether the failure is related to SSL handshake, DNS resolution, or an actual proxy misconfiguration.
For Linux users, missing libraries lib32-gnutls are a frequent source of proxy-related installation failures. Beyond that, ensuring Wine is equipped with the correct winetricks components, including Visual C++ redistributables and .NET libraries, is equally important. Without them, encrypted communication channels may fail, leading MetaTrader to display proxy errors.
Finally, Windows 11 has introduced a tighter integration between system proxy settings and security rules. Resetting both the firewall and the proxy configuration can be necessary, especially after a major system update. In some rare situations, the problem originates from the broker itself, especially if they enforce region-based restrictions. In that case, switching to an alternative server in the login window or contacting broker support may be the only solution.
By recognizing that proxy errors in MetaTrader are often symptoms rather than causes, users can approach troubleshooting more effectively. From updating drivers and DNS to testing different connections and ensuring the right libraries are installed, many hidden factors can resolve the problem without needing to configure an actual proxy.
He is an expert in financial niche, long-term trading, and weekly technical levels.
The primary field of Igor's research is the application of machine learning in algorithmic trading.
Education: Computer Engineering and Ph.D. in machine learning.
Igor regularly publishes trading-related videos on the Fxigor Youtube channel.
To contact Igor write on:
igor@forex.in.rs
