proxy setting changes

Question

I will be on the internet via my personal wifi when suddenly the computer stops and the error message arises that my proxy settings have changed.  I am not on a LAN.  This occurs with both IE and Google broswers. This is the most recent Google browser error message:

No internet

There is something wrong with the proxy server, or the address is incorrect.

Try:

• Contacting the system admin
• Checking the proxy address
• Running Windows Network Diagnostics

ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED

PS: I have malware scanned with Malwarebytes, with Microsoft malware, and with Microsoft downloaded malware detection.  I think this problem started when on IE, I got a pop-up telling me I needed to shutdown my computer and call an 800 #.  I knew this to be virus/malware so I just closed the browser and scanned for malware but nothing came up.

Thanks guys!

Answer 1

Hello Hilary,

There is a possibility that the this issue is caused by a virus, malware, and etc. Certain malware can interfere with your internet connection or change your proxy settings without your knowledge. Since you've already run some malware tests and wasn't able to detect any infections, kindly try to perform the steps below:

You can reset Internet Explorer settings to what they were when Internet Explorer was first installed on your PC. This can be useful for troubleshooting problems that may be caused by settings changed after installation. Note that resetting Internet Explorer isn't reversible, and all previous settings are lost after reset.

1. Close all Internet Explorer windows. Select the Tools button, and then select Internet options.
2. Select the Advanced tab, and then select Reset.
3. In the Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialog box, select Reset.
4. When Internet Explorer finishes applying default settings, select Close, and then select OK. Restart your PC to apply changes.

If the issue persists, try to disable the proxy setting and check if you can browse the internet:

1. Press Windows key + I, then select Network & Internet.
2. Go to Proxy, turn off all the options.

In addition, it would also be best to run a scan using Windows Defender to make sure that your system is free from any threats.

Looking forward to your response.

Regards.