How to Run WoW Using a Proxy Server

Some institutions prohibit the play of World of Warcraft and other similar online games by closing certain ports. However, there is a very useful way to get around these restrictions and play WOW even when doing so is blocked. Players that attend strict universities or have extra time while at work can benefit from this technique. It does, however, require the download and installation of two programs. These programs are safe and free, so you should not encounter any issues during installation.

Bypassing Port Blocks

Download both “HTTP-TUNNEL” and “Sockscap” before beginning. Choose the free version of HTTP-TUNNEL, as you do not need the paid version for your purposes. When installing the programs, do not change any of the default settings. The programs will automatically detect what settings are necessary for your computer and network, and changing these could cause some problems that prevent the software from running properly.

Locate the proxy settings for your browser. Although browsers tend to bury them among a multitude of options, they are readily accessible on Internet Explorer. From the “Tools” menu, select “Internet Options” and “Connections.” On the displayed page, you must then click on “LAN Settings.” Remember the numbers that appear in the “Proxy Settings” field. You will need these numbers to bypass the network security.

Leave the default settings in Sockscap unchanged, but enter your Proxy settings in HTTP-TUNNEL when asked to do so. It is important to make sure that the settings you input in the Sockscap field are correct. If they are not correct, WOW will not run correctly.

Use the Browse menu in Sockscap to locate the file named “WOW.EXE.” This file should be located in your main World of Warcraft folder. If you are having difficulty locating the file, simply look in the “Program Files” folder within your hard drive (usually labeled “C:”). Be sure you use the actual program file, not the file labeled “Launcher.” Once you have located the file, click on it to input it into Sockscap.

Restart HTTP-TUNNEL to complete the set-up. If you successfully entered the Proxy settings, you should get a message saying “SOCKS 4/5 server successfully started.” Once you see this message, select the WOW.EXE file that you input in Sockscap and click “Run.” The computer should go to the World of Warcraft login screen, and you should be able to play the game normally.